AN: this is the last chapter. It will be in three parts. Epilogs and bonuses will follow. pretty much a lastminute update again. Still sick and what an awful week :/

***

Fireworks and Finale (I)

Aran's composure lasts all day, defying the SIT and Seyon's expectations. Even if the youngster is frustrated inside, he doesn't show it. Near the end of workday when Seyon and Soham are about to enter the interrogation room, professor Arindam appears in the monitor room, aided by a renowned and the CID's ACP in flesh.

Seyon watches in bewilderment as the warrant he brought is declared null.

"Aran can't be detained beyond twelve hours. You can take him again with a fresh warrant inspector. Shall we take him out then?" the middle-aged lawyer says with a toothy grin.

Seyon and Soham curl their fists. Neither of them wants to send Aran now, without questions asked. But there's little they can do.

As they watch in mute silence, a staff member unlocks the door to the interrogation room. Aran stalks into the monitor room to meet his mentor and the lawyer. With a placid smile, he nods at Soham and Seyon.

"Ha. Pretending to be the composed kid until the end." Seyon snorts once he's alone with Soham again. "This is wasted potential. But some civilian stalks into the monitor room? With a lawyer? Does he want to threaten us?"

Soham shakes his head. Seyon continues to ramble. "Hey, maybe this breach will help us get rid of him once and forever! This is plain abuse of power whatsoever bringing outsiders into the CID's office rooms. It's time ACP Pandiyan will pay for his crimes. Heh, I have a feeling that Aran's due payment will be done."

This time Soham doesn't say what if Aran isn't the slasher?

"Let's calm down, Seyon, we can get another warrant."

An hour later, Thiya frowns, listening to what transpired. Seated in her chair in hall 57, she was excited to see Seyon walk in with Soham. But the news they brought isn't a good one. Seyon's multiple-fold determined expression stirs worry in her heart. Without doubt, he will do something reckless if she doesn't guide him in the right direction.

"It's okay, right? We have come this far in this case, guided by nothing but intuition. So far we could prevent the slashed from striking again and Kavya is safe. Let us look at the greener side of the landscape."

Seyon shakes his head, still looking unhappy. Soham summons a smile to his face.

"Thiya is right. I will leave for Mira's hospital now, as we aren't on duty. Have to relieve Ramya."

"Huh Soham? Can't you rest for one night?"

"Nothing can feel restful when I leave Mira in her current condition in the hospital. Being next to her is restful, you know, Seyon?"

Soham leaves. Seyon sits in his chair and chuckles, recalling what he heard. Thiya brings him a cup of hazelnut coffee.

"Hazelnut has always had you go nuts. Didn't it, Seyon?"

That little remark causes him to laugh. He braces himself before the nostalgic feeling emanating from his chest can turn into adoration. It proves to hold back when he looks at her, though. Her graceful, soothing presence — smiling as usual, inspires in him many emotions. She's standing next to his desk, brushing a stray lock behind her ear, nursing a cup of her favourite caramel latte, the smile on her face reflecting their shared feelings. Even without wings, dressed in a cotton jumpsuit, she's nothing sort of angel in his eyes. Ugh, enough now, Seyon. Ahem.

Seyon takes the cup. One sip. The coffee tastes extra sweet, unfurling the tension he didn't know has wound around him like a coil.

"Thiya."

Thiya looks at him, still smiling. She catches her breath and chuckles, berating herself for getting carried away again.

"Thanks." Seyon's simple words, the sheer adoration in his eyes fills her heart with exhilaration and something else she can't explain. Satisfaction?

She couldn't be there for him for eight years because of their stupid breakup and misunderstanding. Now, she can never trade even a slight chance in which she can take care of him.

"You don't need to thank me, Seyon." After all, we are ... one. She bites her lip. Seyon's smile deepens.

"Right."

What? Did you read my thoughts? Thiya straightens her relaxed posture. Seyon takes a sip and sighs.

"I will get another warrant against Aran."

Thiya hums, though she's not surprised by what she hears. "Sounds like a plan."

"So then, how's your work coming along?"

"I'm far from overcoming the tech barrier Aran set up. Without doubt, this is his doing. It's just... an intuition, but... As someone who's cracked his codes, passwords... I have a feeling it's him. Aran must be the reason for the mishap with Mira. This clearly makes him our slasher. But we need more tangible proof."

"I agree." Seyon sips his coffee again and brushes his bangs, letting himself relax in his chair.

"The story Rameswaran told us, Thiya... I think Aran has a reason. His vendetta against bigwigs in the film circle can't be ruled out. After what they did to his father..."

Seyon trails off. Thiya lines her chair next to his and sits.

"Still a weird reason that he eliminates popular actors and actresses. The poor chaps aren't even directly linked to his father's death."

"It's indeed sad. That's how hate crimes happen. Grudges live for generations. But then there's Aran's condition. He faced a lot of rejection at college. Pretty sure that must be tough. Entering the film circle too, it couldn't be a cakewalk. He was driven to this. But he always had a choice, like everyone else. To choose a good life. To choose good. It's disheartening. Even a mentor like Arindam couldn't correct his path."

"Indeed. But mentors can only guide. Change has to come from within. I still don't get Professor Arindam."

"He's strange. Sentimental."

"Is that why he showed up to rescue Aran? Does he hope Aran will change? All his attempts in the past appeared to have failed. So then why?"

Seyon taps his chin thoughtfully, then laughs. "Eh, paternal affection?"

"Could be." Thiya knits her brows. "How appalling. And Aran... how vindictive."

"Hmm." Seyon hums and finishes his coffee. Thiya too relaxes as they drop discussing the case. Upon receiving an intimation from Sarthak that they can go home, and the rest of the officers will handle other tasks, Seyon offers to drop her home. They ride to her apartment in silence.

She walks back to her room, after checking she has brought Mira's phone with her. Most likely, she will spend the night working to unlock it. And then processing and restoring the audio will fall into her lap. Work thoughts fill Thiya's mind. And as she enters her home, personal thoughts also pop up.

The vet assistant is still looking out for CB because she's been busy with work. This will continue for a while. After it ends, she has to compensate both the vet assistant and CB in a duly manner.

A step into the living room. CB lands on her shoulder with a grunt. The vet assistant who's lounging on the sofa chuckles, noticing the sight.

"He's been really grumpy all along. His bird friends haven't visited and... he also missed you."

"Thanks, yes, I get it, Nadia. It's been so sunny. I wish those birds get back." Thiya nods at Nadia and presses her forehead against CB's fluff plumage. The side of his wing tickles her cheek. After whining softly, he preens her face promptly, causing her to laugh. What a display of honest, undying affection. Birds are angels that don't deserve humans, in her opinion.

CB has been with her through some craziest times. While she was struggling with her conflict with Seyon, whether she was stressed about not seeing her family, when she was worried about the case, recently, when she was all shy and giddy over the expectation that she and Seyon will reconcile their love, CB had been there all along.

Heart full of love, she ruffles CB's crown and kisses his little head. His squawk of endearment causes her to laugh again.

Still, what strange circumstances. Life is unpredictable. She never thought she had in it to balance her work life and care for a bird in one go. It's why she has had no pets in years. But now, she's done with those limiting tasks. Never will she hold back or speculate and embrace life with open arms.

Overthink is such a killjoy. If she allowed herself to overthink, she'd have opted out of the SIT precisely because of Seyon. If she had done that, she wouldn't have met Seyon. Their story wouldn't have begun again.

"This is what they mean when the experienced elders say — everything happening is for our good. Take life as whatever it gives you. When given lemons, make lemonade."

***

The next day, the SIT officers have their job cut out in chunks. Afternoon rolls by. Thiya is alone in hall 57 again. She began working early, around 8. Hours of working straight without break, yet the encryption Aran set up around Mira's phone doesn't break. A challenge like this would have been enjoyable if it were for a hacker workshop. But for a case where every second ticking matters...

The dull ache in her temples and eyes is the cue. Thiya shuts off her laptop and puts Mira's phone in the inside pocket of her cotton shrug.

Not a couple of minutes passed when Soham joins her, returning from his usual shift of watching over Mira.

Morning shift or night shift that has extended into day? Thiya is sure it's the latter because Soham is wearing the same outfit as yesterday, a jade chequered shirt tucked in, sleeves folded into elbow and grey denims.

"Soham, you shouldn't overwork." The words escape her and she purses her lips. Spoke out of concern for a friend and colleague, probably especially because Seyon is not around to tell this to his friend. Did she overstep another professional line?

Soham's pleased demeanour tells her otherwise. He's always forgiving and smiling. The sunshine smile lost its brightness by a few degrees, but it's still there. Thiya feels relieved to see that smile.

"I showered in the hospital and I'm eating my meals well. Don't worry, but thanks, Thiya."

Soham nods his head. Thiya turns her attention to her phone, which she has not checked since morning.

Seyon's message in the CID group chat from an hour ago makes her gasp. Her brain goes numb for a moment, rereading its contents—

Gotta go see Aran now. Remember our dates way back ago? Kinda feels the same. Except he sent me a location this time. Leaving the link for ya guys, just in case. But it's nothing I can't handle. Good Luck with your work and hope you wish me luck when you read this...

Wish you luck? Seyon, I want to whack you on the head now. If only you're here.

Heart racing out of anxiety, Thiya turns in her chair and faces Soham. Soham is seated at his desk, sipping some water.

"Soham, have you read Seyon's message in the group?"

"What?" Soham gulps his next sip quickly and puts his bottle aside. "What?!"

Thiya shakes her head. "You must not have. If you're this cool."

She doesn't have to say anything further. Soham opens the CID group chat on his own and rises to his feet, frowning. A slight worry appears in his eyes, but he shakes his head.

"This... This is our reckless leader, but... I believe he'll be fine. This is Seyon. At least he left a message with the location link, huh?"

"Soham!" Thiya rises from her seat. Pocketing her phone, she shuts off her computer and laptop after saving her work. "But this isn't the same. He should have called us to discuss if Aran invited him. He shouldn't have gone alone."

Soham sighs and rubs his heavy temples. "I agree. We don't want added worry. I will call him—"

"No." Thiya cuts him off. "Let's go find him."

"Uh yes, but won't it give us peace to hear he's fine?"

Thiya nods, calming her breath, unsure of the calm's duration. "Okay. Call him on the way. We gotta run. Are you coming?"

She breaks into a run. Soham runs after her, calling Seyon on his phone. "Of course I'm coming!"

.

.

.

Seyon didn't answer his phone. Thiya chews her bottom lip. She's the pillion rider on Soham's bike. The sunny weather is ultra warm but soothing somehow, and the wind in the hair is the only thing she can distract herself with. It's her first time riding with someone other than her father, brother and Seyon. Soham is a great biker but the speed he's going at... is necessary though it's scary.

The location link guides them to the abandoned amusement park on the outskirts. Disembarking, Thiya frowns at the dilapidated structure ahead.

"The same park that the killer website led me to! Great, this is awesome!"

Soham frowns at this. He puts away his helmet calmly. But before he can reach for Thiya's helmet from her hands (his spare helmet he offers to those who ride with him), she thrusts it down to the ground and runs.

"Ugh. Hey, wait!"

He mimics her actions, cursing himself for falling slow and not acting quick. Why has he slowed down? Is it the stress? The never-ceasing exhaustion? Mental pressure of having to see Mira unconscious and not respond to his greetings?

Thiya kicks off dust as she runs. Soham follows the trail until she stops before a pyramidal structure that's pretty sturdy looking from outside.

"This is the exact coordinates." She murmurs under her breath and pulls out her phone and data cable.

Soham follows her gaze and tenses, upon finding an electronic lock installed at the entrance

"An electronic lock here? Something is fishy!"

"Oh, yes!" Thiya says, sounding breathless. Her heartbeat is erratic out of worry and exhaustion.

"Nothing new though, Soham. The same thing happened when I was nearly electrocuted in the tower."

"Ugh." Soham grunts and redials Seyon's number, hoping for an answer. For Seyon to say hello, I'm fine...

But alas. "The number you're calling is out of coverage..."

"This is even worse than last time's ringer. Huh. The signal on my phone is fine. Seyon... are you okay?"

Thiya's heart skips a beat at the concern and frustration in Soham's voice. She hears him take a loud breath in and does the same. Though it is really hard for her, she focuses on her job. She has to unlock this electronic lock as quickly as possible. If she knows Aran/slasher's style, there will be others waiting for her behind. If Seyon is inside, she has no time to waste.

***

TBC

Up next: A narrow escape for Seyon? An emotional yet heartfelt confession? 

V & C ")