Seyon holds a morning meeting the following day, The entire SIT team assembled inside hall 57, their swivel chairs forming a loose circle.

"Our own meeting." Soham's grin is as bright as the summer morning sun. "I am so into this, unlike the other meetings we had. The new couch adds to the aesthetics of the room. The mini fridge is such a good add-on."

Mira jokes he should have been an interior designer. Seyon rises from his seat and claps for everyone's attention. Thiya is the only one focusing on the meeting. It's also possible that serious look is one she makes when she is bored. Seyon doesn't know what it is. He brushes his short bangs aside and focuses on the group.

"Hola, team. We haven't got to discuss what happened yesterday. Let's have our own daily morning meetings so we can all catch up with our investigations.

Everybody is on board with what Seyon said. The air is filled with relief. He's finally, finally acknowledging others have a part to play in the slasher case.

"When I said CID, I checked to see if that gave him a mental trip," Seyon says. "He definitely seemed nervous."

That serious gaze, the deep navy blazer hugging his slim frame, the pale ochre formal shirt and trousers matching his blazer — he makes the striking figure. He looks quite striking, unlike any other detective on duty. Aesthetics. As Soham says.

Thiya Arun nearly hates herself for noticing these facts, alongside the bitter truth that their attires match. Why must she choose a yellow ochre jumpsuit with navy blue stripes? Agitated, she turns her attention from Seyon's clothes to what he said.

"Anyone would also be nervous when a CID officer shows up on his doorstep, Seyon."

"Correct." Seyon nods at her. "But sometimes a detective must follow their intuition. Especially when there are no clues. In this case, I wanted to see where my intuition takes me. What did you guys find when you broke in?"

He looks at everyone in the group.

Mira is the first one to speak. "We found the guy is a weirdo. Saw all this weird stuff. Mostly the same ones you mentioned. We didn't find any family portraits and concluded he lived alone. Soham opined the guy was an orphan."

"So, he's an orphan. How does he sustain?" Thiya's valid question gets everyone to straighten up.

"Maybe he does odd jobs. Maybe he gets a government scholarship to support his studies," says Soham.

Seyon nods his head, plopping back into his chair. "All of them are possibilities. We are gonna go ahead and label this guy as a suspect. Soham, find out everything about him and keep an eye on him.

Soham is glad his friend isn't doing things by himself but he's discomforted by a lot of things. He leans forward and looks at Seyon. "Is he a suspect? What if we are wasting time?"

"That's all we got. We'll follow our intuition, Soham. We don't have any options. This is the only path we can take alongside safeguarding Kavya."

Nobody can bring themselves to oppose what Seyon said.

A moment's silence. He speaks again.

"Of all the things at his home what struck me odd is the tattoo on his arm. Why would anybody tattoo the letter B and a bunch of weird symbols on their forearm?"

A pause. He looks at Thiya. "Thiya, I want you to find out if there is an organisation that uses this weird symbol."

"You think he's linked to some mafia?"

"Possibly."

"The forensic doctor said the slasher is vengeance driven."

"He's vengeance-driven, sure. But he got to have the backing to do these serious crimes. I may be wrong, though."

Thiya heaves a sigh and faces away from Seyon. Soham takes the opening to speak his thoughts. "Anything is possible. Kids these days... doesn't take them long to turn criminals."

"Yep." Seyon chimes in. "Let's not forget some are born into crime. Unfortunate souls."

"Unfortunate souls." Thiya and Mira wear pensive frowns and repeat Seyon's words. The morning meeting comes to an end.

"Thiya, check the internet for that symbol."

Seyon is in leader mode, ordering around, thinks Thiya.

"You think it's on the internet?"

"Even terror outfits are on the Internet these days."

"I can promise you immediate results but I will be on it. Fishing the internet is finishing in the ocean where you don't know if any fish is available."

Thiya thinks Seyon might push her to work quickly or put pressure on her, but instead, he simply says, "I'm counting on you."

Thiya manages a smile. That's it, we're going to have professional conversations like this and it's going to be okay.

She's annoyed but deep down she's also impressed like the others. Seyon could analyse so many things in such a short time. He's always been a sharp one.

She hears Soham and Seyon getting into yet another conversation about the suspect. She just named him the B guy. Going by his tattoo. That's a nice name. I must get everyone to use it.

"Seyon, there's no definitive proof to fully suspect Aran. The SIM card the slasher used to contact the constable is no longer in use. Yes, it was registered under Aran's name but it proves nothing. The telecom company Airphone couldn't pinpoint the exact location to the exact location the call came from. It's possible somebody else used the SIM card. Maybe Aran is innocent. Maybe his phone was stolen."

"Right. Laws need proof."

"A police officer needs one too before taking action."

Seyon and Soham continue their discussion for a good few minutes. Mira sinks into the softness of her seat, whispering to herself, we don't want to trap an innocent engineering student.

Thiya agrees with her colleagues. All of them make valid points. She'd like to side with Seyon though. Considering Aran the suspected slasher is the only way they can proceed from here.

Of course, Soham and Meera have their grand plans which do look impressive. Thiya looks at them as they share their ideas with Seyon. The two of them will look into the slain celebrities, the movies they did, and the crew they worked with, especially before their untimely death. From there they would proceed.

"Here's hoping we'd make progress."

Seyon's intense eyes turn to her just as she murmurs this.

"Tonight's night duty. Thiya, you're going. Make sure you acquaint yourself well with Kavya Krishnan. It may help the case."

Thiya pulls a face. Something about Seyon's authoritative tone is the source of her irritation. "What?"

Seyon shrugs, a jaunty smile plays on his lips. "I'm the leader."

Thiya crinkles her nose. "Yeah, but don't go abusing your power."

"We agreed to take turns."

Mira, Soham exchange amused glances. Soham can't help but feel Seyon is intentionally picking on Thiya. If this is an old habit, he needs to fix that.

***

Seyon is the first one to arrive in hall 57 the next day. Sure he assigned everyone their roles but what's he doing? With the ACP running him ragged, he's missing sleep and losing his brain cells. Today, the ACP wants him to overlook his duties and wander about checking the security symposium preparations.

It's like his senior is getting his vendetta through this. He's trying but it's proving hard for him to focus on the case. Soham Mira came up with good strategies. What's he doing? He even left the task of keeping an eye on the suspect — Aran, to Soham.

"If only I'm capable of doing something here... the top brass might not listen if I complain..."

An official complaint will hurt the AcPs ego further and may cause trouble for him and his team. He has to find a tactful way out of this quickly.

"The security symposium isn't until two months. Why is the ACP making a big fuss about things?"

Seyon's whisper echoes off the empty walls.

"Ugh, Seyon. Just breathe. Multitasking isn't new to you. Last night the ACP let you go at three. You got a few hours of sleep."

He tells himself but the exhaustion is still in his bones. Just then, Soham and Mira arrive. Thiya returns from her night duty. She probably stopped by her house. She's dressed in a different jumpsuit and a blazer.

She looks exhausted, Seyon thinks and she unleashes a string of complaints.

"Kavya hates me. She only wants Mr Cool-and-handsome cop from day one to perform night duties."

Seyon smirks. Strangely some of his cheer and energy returns to his soul looking at Thiya's pouty face. "Did she say all that?

"She did." Thiya huffs, folding her arms across her chest and looking away. "I wouldn't use those terms for you by myself."

The others watch the conversation unfolding between their colleagues with interest. Seyon rolls his eyes.

"I am not going there again, Seyon. She made me stroll around the garden all night."

For a moment, Seyon pretends he didn't hear Thiya, like he's thinking long and hard. "I will accompany you on your night duty days."

"What, why?"

"I'll help you fulfil your duties."

Eyes narrowed, Thiya throws Seyon a look. "You can also go alone."

"But then you wouldn't have fulfilled your duties."

Seyon's smug, confident grin knocks her in the face. The leader he is there is no room for arguments. He returns to his desk. She returns to hers, muttering under her breath, night duty with Seyu. Just what I need! Seyu... ugh, why did I use his short name...

***

During the next couple of days after that pass peacefully, Seyon is busy assisting the ACP. Soham and Mira take their inquiry to the next level.

They have finally rounded on a few things that are common to all the eleven slain celebrities. One stunt company: Daredevil International, a Chennai-based one, associated with the film chamber stands out among their findings. That entire afternoon Soham, Mira put their heads together, making calls and inquiries before hitting the field to inquire in person.

Thiya works on deducing the slasher's weapon. Seyon does his best to think of the case when he can. That evening, around seven, free from the ACP's clutches, he drops by hall 57.

He allows himself an hour's rest, to the scratching noises Thiya's pencil makes against her notepad. Just basks in the serenity.

Thiya Arun is ever so diligent. Still working on the kind of innovative possible weapons the slasher uses. No doubt in touch with Dr Shah, the two are trying to figure out this part. Seyon admires her clear focus, the way her short chestnut curls frame her face while she concentrates. Then snaps himself out of his stupor and declares to pack her things.

"Huh?" The confusion is palpable on Thiya's face.

"Night duties." Seyon points to the clock.

Eight PM. Soham and Mira are still out on the field, keeping an eye on the suspect. He got an update earlier — they didn't find much from their inquiry at the stunt firm. All that research hit a dead end. But well Kavya Krishnan is left. The SIT can concentrate on her, trap the slasher and save her.

Thiya packs her things into the large sling bag, which contains her tablet, phone and a few snacks. She stuffs her notebook and pencil inside.

Unlike her, Seyon doesn't have any belongings he must gather. His phone, revolver, documents and wallet are secure in the inner pockets of his blazer.

The two of them step out of hall 57 after locking the door, into the Cid hallways lit by the artificial glow of pearl-white led battens. The elevator isn't fixed yet. They are walking. Seyon sticks close, just a foot away, much to Thiya's discomfort. There should be at least a six feet distance.

In a hallway on the ground floor, they encounter a cheeky detective from the gossip rangers. Gossip rangers — another new term Thiya came up with recently.

The sly smile on the lady cop's face. Seyon already detects a remark coming his way.

"I heard you guys are guarding Kavya Krishnan. How wonderful. Night duties together. I wish I could have my bae with me and we could do night duties together."

The split-second conversation ends with Seyon waving the lady cop off with his hand and an amicable smile. Thiya sighs as they pass by the nightmare and turn another corner.

"Seyon... Do you have to always make a show of things? We could have left the office at different times. Or met outside. You know, discourage the rumours."

Seyon throws her a sidelong glance but doesn't slow his stride. She keeps up with him, the two arriving in the parking lot.

Hey, why is she mad? Those rumours shouldn't matter. He's also helping her with her night duties. She should be grateful. Those are his thoughts and sentiments but they aren't returned.

He glances at his car, suddenly remembering observing the fuel levels are low this morning. Stopping by the petrol bunk only to know they went on a sudden day-long strike.

"We'll take your scooty. I'll take the backseat."

Thiya looks at him as if he's grown a second head. "You, what?"

"I can take the back seat," Seyon repeats, a smile lighting up his face. "Or you can. I will drive us both to Krishnan Villa. I've got both two-wheeler and four-wheeler licenses."

Hilarious suggestions. Only Seyon can say something out of context; it's baffling how casual he's while interacting with his ex. That's not the point.

"Both things won't work for me." Thiya shakes her head. Her frown deepens when her scooty comes into view. "This antique thing has been troubling me again. I'll have to get another service done. Let's take the cab."

Seyon glances at her bike. A pink and purple floral lightweight scooter. A wry smile touches his lips. "You're still using this antique thing..." He uses her choice of words referring to her bike. "...because it's a gift from your Appa, isn't it?"

Thiya hesitates but resigns to her fate. "Yes."

She can't lie. She isn't the type to lie. Not about things that are important to her.

"You love him and wish he'd take you back into the family."

Again, she says "yes" without looking at Seyon. The conversation mellows out like that, quiet settling between the two. While Thiya is surprised Seyon remembers the subtle details from eight years ago (fifteen if she counts the time from the day they met), Seyon thinks she hasn't changed. If she hadn't changed, and he hadn't... Then why did they fall a—

Before he can mentally complete the question, he pulls his phone out. "Let's take the cab."

Just like that, they put their personal feelings aside and shift their focus to their duties.

***

Krishnan Villa, actress Kavya Krishnan's home, spread across a spacious eight thousand square feet is eight times the size of an average 2BK apartment. Surrounded by a strip of garden in the front and bank, the three-storied building glitters golden in the dark of the night. At the gate, Thiya and Seyon stop by the security checkpoint, a trivial formality which soon ends.

Amber lighting paves the pathway with light and shadows. Past the front porch where a few security personnel stand guard, a spacious lobby and kitchen, uber modern, occupy the entire ground floor.

Thiya observes the lobby is cold, sweet-smelling and expensive — golden amber panel work and ceiling LEDs that glimmer like stars.

A few minutes pass. Thiya isn't done taking in the ornate decorations adorning the room, the luxurious L sofa set, or the gleaming surface of the extra large coffee table in the centre. Kavya Krishnan arrives and wraps Seyon in a hug.

"Seyonnnn..."

On a first-name basis already? What's that purring noise? Thiya frowns, her nostrils beginning to hurt, the dizzying scent of the actress' perfume overwhelming her senses.

8.30 PM. Kavya is primly dressed in a golden and blue imperial dress that has long sleeves and an asymmetric hemline. Her pale, beautiful face has layers of artificial makeup — gaudy shades of gold and silver. Even her lipstick is silver in contrast to her dark tresses. Her manicured nails glitter, like diamonds atop fingers that rest on Seyons dark suit. She isn't letting go of Seyon!

"Ma'am..." Seyon's hands stop short of settling on the actress' waist and resting on her shoulder instead. If he's uncomfortable by Kavya's closeness, he masks it with an amicable grin. "What a pleasure to meet you in person again."

Kavya cackles. Swift as lightning, she places a kiss on his cheek.

Thiya glances away, aware that her stomach is in knots. She has the urge to throw up. No. What she feels isn't jealousy.

Through her peripheral vision, she notices Seyon put some distance between himself and the actress. Neither that not hearing the actress shower praises on him helps her mood.

"Mr cool and handsome cop from day one. You brought your subordinate too?"

Now Thiya turns her eyes to Kavya, slack-jawed. "Excuse me? We are of the same rank..."

Neither Seyon nor Kavya acknowledge what she said. Thiya clicks her tongue when Seyon stealthily gestures to her not to make a fuss.

"Thank you for working hard to keep me safe." Kavya's hand once again rests on Seyons shoulder. This time, he quickly pries it away.

Thiya heaves a sigh of relief. Good. It's good if Seyon realises this actress is the clingy sort. And the most atrocious, haughty celebrity there ever can be. Who throws a cop on duty out of the house and makes them patrol the gardens?

The farce doesn't end. Seyon kisses the back of Kavya's hand with a gentlemanly air, saying thanks are needed. Her bodyguards and security team are the ones deserving her thanks.

Of course. Kavya's smile is a little forced but she's quickly cheerful again. "Oh yes, they do the part. Having a cool CID cop trying to solve the slasher case here at night is most reassuring."

Seyon says it's his duty. He'd do it any day. Then he humbly requests her to cooperate, handing over the crew details of her film and also the details of her security team.

"Sure."

Kavya promises him he will get what he wants. She asks him to relax in the lobby. "Feel free to use the kitchens if you're in need of refreshments, good sir." She's gone, but not before aiming a sour look at Thiya.

Thiya's brows furrow again. Kavya refused cooperation the other day but is ready to comply with Seyon. Her ire is just directed at me. How fanciful.

Once left alone with Seyon, the irritation she feels becomes unbearable.

"I asked for the same thing yesterday and she threw me out."

Seyon faces her with a slight smile. The look on his face says he almost feels sorry. "Well, we got it."

"You don't need to butter her up. Why didn't you ask her to be professional?"

"Do you want me to get on her bad side? We need her cooperation to keep her safe. We can't keep up with our guard duties if we fight with her."

"There are other ways." Thiya knows what Seyon said is accurate but can't fully agree. "Things can be done professionally. A hug and a kiss on the cheek... preposterous!"

Seyon shrugs. "She probably does it to all those in her circle."

"There are ways. And she doesn't need to do that to a police officer."

"Why are you mad?"

Seyon peers at her face. Thiya turns away, deftly avoiding his eyes. "Wipe off the lipstick on your cheek. That's a very unbecoming look for an officer on duty."

Seyon doesn't respond but pulls his kerchief out. He wipes his cheek and asks, "is it gone?"

"Why would I know? Why would I help you? Check your face in the mirror. There are mirrors everywhere!"

Thiya is aware of her inflated mood. How can a guy be calm with a random woman throwing herself at him? Oh, he's a cheater. But then most guys would probably welcome the gesture.

None of this would have happened if I didn't have to carry out night duties with him. What's the point of doing together when he could do it alone?

The quiet that settles between them after that is peaceful. At least, they are getting to perform night duties from inside the lobby.

The luxurious L sofa is all hers to set or lie down on. Thiya takes a seat, wanting to calm her nerves. A chill wave hits her and she realises the AC is on. Perhaps centralised AC is always running here. Celebrity lifestyle.

She feels cold but doesn't voice it out until she sneezes. Seyon, who's nearby, removes his blazer and offers it to her.

"Huh? I don't need..."

"Take it. You catch a chill pretty quickly. We can't have you fall sick while on the case."

Thiya's heart races as she slips her arms into his jacket and huddles into its warmth. It smells like him. Warm and comforting. He still remembers she falls sick and is allergic to certain things. Oh no! Her heart is racing even more now. No, she warns her poor heart. You can't fall for the same man — the cheater again. You don't need these kinds of distractions while on a case.

She sighs. Seyon is right. I can't take it off. I will catch a cold if I spend the night without it. Nobody in the Krishnan Villa will turn off the AC for my sake. While she curls into a ball wearing his jacket, hugging her knees, Seyon takes the couch that's from across her.

Huh? Why take the opposite seat? There are plenty of options available. Why is he looking at her? Is it because she is wearing his jacket? The lighting here has dimmed down considerably from the time they arrived. He won't know if she blushes. Or will he? Given his vision is sharp? Why's she blushing anyway?

I must feign calm. He can't know I'm feeling this way...Thiya glances at Seyon to see if he's looking at her, and he is. He's smiling! The smug bastard. He knows his stare makes her feel uncomfortable.

He however decides to be kind enough quickly. He glances away and pulls a pocketbook out. He's oblivious to her plight, isn't he?

A crime fiction novel. New one by Sherry Maran. Sherry's novels are crisp to the point, mystery and romance filled. Each page filled with intrigue and thrill.

Thiya won't deny it. Those books are her and Seyon's mutual favourites. The book they tore when they first met is also Sherry's! Oh, dear he still reads those!

You shouldn't read in the dim light, she wants to say but stops herself.

Seyon doesn't read much, holds a few talks with the security officials. She accompanies him; they inquire together and return to the lobby.

Past dinner time, Seyon wonders why he isn't particularly hungry. Like Thiya he too keeps an energy bar on hand, just in case of emergencies like this. Hey, a cop's life... emergencies every day. Maybe he and Thiya should've stopped for dinner but he didn't know she'd react.

"This is good stuff." He unwinds, nursing a cup of coffee in his hand, poised on the sofa, a hand brushing the locks of his hair.

Thiya watches as the air of the CID officer that surrounds him falls to the floor. For a moment, she imagines he is drinking but remembers he doesn't drink, not even when off-duty. He smokes a lot, a habit which he lost after they got together.

The steady scent of hazelnut fills the air, warm and relaxing. Hazelnut coffee is his favourite. As expected. Despite her discomfort, Thiya smiles. Coffee cup in hand, he saunters to the kitchen and returns with a warm drink of ginger tea for her.

"I prepared it alongside my coffee. Brew time over. It should be ready to drink."

Touched by his gesture, Thiya nods. When she tries taking off his jacket, he holds her progress with a hand on her wrist.

"Keep it. Don't be stubborn. Wear a blazer next time. Drink your tea. I'll get you another one when you need it."

Seyon returns to his seat. Nervous, Thiya squeezes the tea glass with one hand, absentmindedly running her hand along the lapels of the blazer she's wearing. Something cold comes in contact with her fingers. The brooch that's usually pinned to his jacket.

She pretended to not notice it before but Seyon still wears the S brooch that she once gifted him. Why didn't he throw it away? Maybe he just forgot to discard it?

Though conflicted emotions course through her, his sweet gesture from before puts a smile on her face. She murmurs a small thanks which he acknowledges with a glance.

They savour their drinks in the quiet, ready to act if something is amiss. There's their past, the awkward present, and the future - which also includes the slasher case. Despite the complications around the bend, the night proves to be an uneventful one. They do not get a wink of sleep but manage to fulfil their duties while unwinding. 

***

AN: Please vote n comment if you're reading this story! Thank you!

Next is Mira's birthday. Some Seyon/Thiya arguments but it's mostly Soham/Mira ~ And of course little of the case <3