The seventeenth of September arrives quickly. Shayna is up at four in the morning. She does her usual morning routine and showers. She picks out a peach spaghetti top, blue jeans, and white sneakers. She changes into it and straightens her hair. She quickly does her usual makeup routine before heading downstairs.

She makes herself a black coffee and walks towards the balcony with it. She is standing on the balcony looking at historical monuments in her view at a distance. She continues to sip her coffee and makes a few phone calls while it's still dark outside. After a few minutes, the dark clouds of the night start to fade away.

The golden hues stretch outwards as the sun begins its journey. Shayna's forest-green eyes are ignited like the rim of fire due to the reflection of the scenery. A few memories flash in front of her eyes and the words ring in her ear, pricking her heart. She looks away and presses her lips together to fight back the tears that are forming in her eyes.

She takes in a deep breath and goes back to her bedroom. She prepares a file and puts it in her bag. She leaves the house around eight after finishing up her work. She hails a cab and goes to the hospital.

Shayna is greeted upon arrival by Aran and a lawyer. She hands the file over to the lawyer who studies the file thoroughly before nodding his head at Aran. The lawyer shakes both their hands and leaves. Aran places his hand on Shayna's back and leads her to the elevator. He presses the button for the eleventh floor.

Aran: Ready to give up your privacy for a year, Ms. Bakshi?

Shayna sighs and gives him a side glare to which he raises his hands.

Aran: You hate to let people in, so why are you allowing him in?

Shayna: Do you have a problem with it Mr. Saetang?

Aran: No! The curiosity is getting the better of me.

Shayna: The only thing you need to know as of now is that I have my own reasons.

Aran: I hope to find out about your reasons from your mouth rather than the news.

Shayna nods. The elevator doors open and they step out. Aran grabs the knob and Shayna's phone rings. She quickly excuses herself and moves away while Aran knocks thrice before stepping in.

He steps in and sees Kabir sitting on the bed. The doctor examines him and writes a prescription. He hands it to Aran and leaves. Aran looks at Kabir and gives him a toothy grin to which he replies with a nod.

Aran: Good morning, Kabir!

Kabir simply nods.

Shayna: Why are you so unresponsive?

Silence is followed by the question, making Aran frown.

Aran: The court of Thailand has declared you innocent and is letting you free, but the process will take roughly a year. Till then, you have to live with your guardian, who has taken your responsibility. Do you have any questions?

Kabir nods his head.

Aran: What?

Kabir: Where is Inaya?

Aran: She's in India, Kabir!

Kabir: That can't be! She was handcuffed and taken away.

Aran: She chose herself between you and her! Yes, she was handcuffed, but she was taken to the airport to board the flight for India.

There's silence as Kabir is thinking deeply about something. Aran can see the confusion on his face.

Aran: You can see her when you go back. I'm sure she would love to see you as well!

Kabir offers him a small smile.

Aran: You will have to move in with your guardian today.

Just as he finishes saying that Shayna walks into the room without any warning.

Aran: Aah... there she is!

Shayna stands about a foot away from the bed and takes a look at Kabir. His hair and beard have been overgrown. There are red bumps that look like they are from bug bites. He also looks malnourished.

Aran: Kabir, meet Shayna Bakshi! She's your guardian until you are handed over to the Indian government. Shayna, meet Kabir Balakrishnan!

The two are simply staring at each other with expressionless faces.

Aran: Why did I get stuck between two cold people?

The two crane their neck to look at him and raise their eyebrows.

Aran: Did I say that out loud?

They nod at him before sighing.

Aran: Oh well then, now you two know my opinion!

Shayna drops the bag in her hand on the edge of the bed and looks over at Kabir.

Shayna: Get ready and be out. I don't have a whole day!

She turns on her heels and walks out of the room with the two staring at her.

Aran: Don't mind her, Kabir! She tends to be cold, but I can promise you that she has a heart of gold.

Kabir: Saw that!

Aran chuckles.

Aran: Aren't you judging her too harshly on your first meeting?

Kabir shrugs and moves towards the bathroom with the bag. He freshens up and changes into the clothes she brought him. He is surprised by how well they fit him but decides to ignore the fact. He sees the room empty, so he steps out of the room. He sees Shayna strictly focused on her phone. Aran walks towards him with a huge grin on his face.

Aran: Ready?

Kabir nods. Shayna stands up and looks at the two.

Shayna: Hand me the prescription!

Aran does just that.

Shayna: You two go down to the car, I'll be there in a few.

Shayna walks away from there. Kabir follows Aran to the elevator and then to the parking lot. They are waiting around his car.

Kabir: Why do you follow her orders? You're a police officer!

Aran: That was her polite tone! And, she's my friend.

Shayna makes her way to them with a bag in her hand. They get into the car.

Aran: Where to Ms. Bakshi?

Shayna: Stop by the mall, so we can grab him a few essentials!

Aran: Aye aye captain!

Aran pulls out of the hospital parking lot and starts towards the mall while Shayna busies herself with her phone again. Kabir just stares out of the window looking at his surroundings. Aran parks his car in the mall's parking lot. They all step out.

Shayna: You two go fill yourself with some food!

Aran: That sounds good! Are you not coming?

Shayna: I have a meeting in a few!

Aran: Ok.

Shayna: After that, head to a spa, and please come out looking like normal human beings.

Aran: Hey, I look normal!

Shayna: Not at all! Both of you look like cavemen that just came out of some time machine from the stone age.

Aran: Time machines don't exist, idiot!

Shayna: Fine! You two look like you were part of that show, Survivor, for ten years. Is that good, Smart Aleck?

The two narrow their eyes at her before moving towards a café in the mall. Shayna hails a cab and leaves. Kabir and Aran start chatting in Hindi while eating. They continue their chat in the spa. 

Shayna reaches a hotel. She walks through the door and goes to the reception desk.

Shayna: Where is he?

Receptionist: Your name?

Shayna: Shayna Bakshi.

Receptionist: Yes ma'am. Achara will lead you to him.

In less than a minute, a woman about her age steps out of the elevator. She smiles at Shayna.

Achara: I'm Achara!

Shayna: Shayna.

They shake hands and she leads him to the café. She motions towards a room with an open hand and leaves. Shayna knocks on the door before stepping in. She is greeted by the panoramic view of Bangkok city. She steps in further and closes the door. She sees a table for two in the center. A masculine figure in a suit is standing by the window. His hands are in his pocket and his gaze is strictly focused on the view. A raspy masculine voice says, "Afternoon, Love!"

**********