Chapter 4:

Shreya and Daya were lost in each other's eyes, hearts pounding, souls yearning for a connection. Their world shrunk to just the two of them, until the harsh ring of the bureau phone shattered the silence. Shreya shook her head, reminding herself of her promise. Daya, with a heavy sigh, moved towards the desk, his gaze lingering on Shreya before picking up the phone.

Daya: CID bureau (He paused, a sudden widening of his eyes, his smile fading.) What?

Shreya watched him anxiously, her heart sinking as she witnessed the change in his expression. Worry gnawed at her, and she instinctively walked towards him as he disconnected the call, his eyes now fixed on her.

Shreya: Kya hua sir?

Daya looked at her for a moment, then stretched out his hand. She looked at him hesitantly, then at his outstretched hand. A memory flashed in her mind, a moment from long ago.

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He hesitantly stretched out his hand, and she quickly pinched it, her eyes meeting his. It was like a needle prick, he flinched, and she bit her tongue. He rubbed the spot where she had pinched him.

Shreya: (Smiling, raising her eyebrows) I'm sorry sir but you see, same pinch to banta hain! Hum ek  colour ke outfit phene hain. 

He noticed they were both wearing the same color outfit and was surprised. A smile spread on his face as Shreya mirrored it. Daya and Shreya shared a smile, while Abhi noticed them from the bureau window, a look of curiosity on his face.

One day, Daya and Shreya were in matching outfits again. Shreya saw Daya entering the bureau and, with a smile, she signaled to him, enjoying their matching outfits. He smiled back and nodded, and she got busy with her work. He kept glancing at her, but... he avoided being around her, thinking she would pinch him again. However, she had completely forgotten about it.

He started acting like a teenager around her whenever they wore the same color outfit. She didn't remember, but he remembered all the little details. Now, every day, he checked the color of her outfit, hoping it matched his.

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Daya snapped his fingers in front of her face. She jerked her head up, looking at him. He raised his eyes, keen to observe her reaction. Shreya rolled her eyes, crossed her arms, and grinned.

Shreya: Kya kar rahe hain aap?

Daya: (Confused) Maine kya kiya? (He looked at his finger and snapped them again)Tumhe ab chutki bajana bhi nahi pasand?

Shreya: (Glared at him) Daya sir...

Daya: (Mimicking her) Shreyaaaa...

Shreya stuck out her tongue, glaring at him. He tilted his head slightly, staring at her.

Shreya: Aapko ye sab mazak lag raha hain?

Daya: Uski ka to yakeen karna jatha hu... (He opened his arms and twirled around, sniffing the air.) Ye bureau ki khushboo, ye crimes ke call, ye evidence ki photos, ye naye tracking device. Kitna miss kiya maine ye (He ran his hand over his desk) sab kuch. (Sighing, he looked at her with a smile.) Yakeen nahi hota ye sab sach hain. Main sach mein wapas aaya hu.

Shreya covered her mouth with her palm, eyes wide open, looking at him. Daya took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and opened his arms, standing in front of her. She stared at him. After a while, he sensed her intense gaze and slowly opened his eyes, smiling at her.

Daya: Issi tarha se dekhti rahogi to dekhna wapas pyaar hohi jaayega.

She jerked her head back, coughing, while he quickly looked around for water. He grabbed a bottle from Abhijeet's desk and offered it to her. She took a step back as he stood frozen in his place.

Daya: (Slowly) Paani pilo...

Shreya: (Rubbing her neck) Main theek hu sir.

Daya: Lag to nahi raha... (She looked at him.) I mean, tabiyat abh tak theek nahi lag rahi hain.

Shreya: (Raising her eyes) Mujhe aapki tabiyat theek nahi lag rahi hain.

Daya: Huh?

Shreya: Haa... (She circled him, taking in his appearance from head to toe.) Kabhi apne haath aage kar dete hain to kabhi shayari gaane lagte hain. Kabhi khush bina wajha khush hojate hain kabhi kuch (She stood in front of him.) bhi kahe jaate hain.

Daya: (Leaned in slightly) Sahi kaha bimar to hu main. (She leaned back slightly.) Aur mera ilaaj ek doctor ek CID officer kar sakti hain. (He smirked at her as she stared at him.)

Shreya: (Smiling slightly) Exactly...

Daya felt a surge of excitement seeing Shreya happy and finally agreeing to him. She touched his shoulder with her index finger, pushing him back. He stared at her finger and then at her.

Shreya: Aap sach mein bimar hain aur ye bimar choti nahi hain sir...

Daya: (Confused) Kya... kya matlabh?

Shreya: Sir mujhe lagta hain jo aap kehrahe ho wo aap nahi keh rahe ho. Matlabh keh aaphi rahe ho lekin wo aapki baatein nahi hain. Hain lekin nahi bhi hain.

Daya scratched his head, looking at her with his hand raised in the air.

Daya: Shreya... (She looked at him, tapping her eyes. He smiled at her innocent expression, then jerked his head.) Tum kehna kya chati ho...

She slowly looked around, then signaled him to bend down. He raised one eyebrow as she put her hands on her hips. He gulped and quickly bent down, and she moved towards his ear. Her breath felt hot against his ear, making him slightly ticklish. He bit his lips, trying to control his smile. Shreya whispered in his ear, and the smile disappeared from his lips. He turned his face towards her. Shreya was still in the same position, their faces inches apart, their lips mere inches away. Their hearts beat heavily, the sound of their heartbeats filling the space between them. The hot breath on their faces, their eyes locked, their lips so close sent shivers down Shreya's spine. Daya quickly turned his face away, slapping his cheeks as Shreya shut her eyes, hitting her head.

Shreya: (Muttering) Focus... focus...

Daya realized what she had said and turned around again, looking at her, his eyes widening.

Daya: Kya kaha tumne, mujhe kya bimar hain?

Shreya: (She looked at him, taking a sigh) Multi personality disorder...

Daya: Huh?

Shreya: (Nodding) Isliye aap ye sari ajeeb harkate kar rahe hain... (Shaking her head) Hota hain hota hain... Itne bade mission se aap wapas aaye hain to hota hain.

Daya keeps his hands in his pockets staring at her while she flip her hair and looked at him raising her eyes.

Shreya: (curiosity) Sir, kya hua? .

Daya: Sahi keh rahi ho tum (he leans forward slightly, a knowing smile playing on his lips)Mujhe bhi lagta hain tumhare andar double personality disorder hain. 

He grins wickedly, watching her reaction as she tilts her head, confusion clouding her features as Daya smirked at her smiling.

Shreya: Ji?

Daya: Ji, (he nods, his smile widening)Dekho nahi manti to socho. Agar aise nahi hota to jo Shreya kal mujhse mili thi, ek dum awkward silent, mujhe avoid karni wali, wo Shreya aaj mere samne khade hoke 'normal' conversation kaise karti? (he pauses, taking in her reaction as she stares at him with a mixture of annoyance and intrigue)Yahi chaiye mujhe humare rishte mein, 'Normal', no awkwardness, no avoiding, no taking for granted anymore. Normality.

He watches as her eyes flicker with a range of emotions, her lips pressed together, and she takes a deep breath. He's captivated by her, his heart skipping a beat as she finally raises her eyes to meet his. Suddenly, Daya's phone rings, shattering the charged atmosphere. He frowns, his smile fading as he pulls his phone from his pocket. The screen displays Boss. He shuts his eyes tightly, his teeth clenched, then picks up the call with a sigh of resignation.

Daya: (Eyeing Shreya) Kya hua Boss? (he pauses, listening for a moment before biting his tongue and winking at Shreya)Haan, aarahe hain... haan.

Daya hangs up the phone, Shreya staring at him with a mixture of suspicion and annoyance. He takes a step towards her, a sense of urgency replacing the playful banter.

Daya: (Clearing his throat) Case aaya hain.

Shreya: Ji?

Daya: (Pointing at the phone) Wo phone aaya tha na? Red Club Hotel room 201 mein ek murder hua hain. Jaan padega.

Shreya: (Her mouth agape) Wo call jo thodi der pehle aaya tha? (He nods) Sir, waha khoon hua hain, aur aap yaha mujhe flirt kar rahe hain? Kisi ko bataya bhi nahi. She shakes her head in disbelief.

Daya: (Stopping her) Hold your horses Shreya. Pehli baat, maine sabko bata diya, aur sare log waha pahunch chuke hain. Sirf hum... (he trails off, noticing the glare in her eyes)I mean tum aur main yaha hain. Dusri baat Shreya, main tumse flirt kar hi nahi raha tha, bas lambiii baatein kar raha tha. (he smirks, enjoying her reaction as she lets out a long sigh)Waise flirt se yaad aaya maine abh tak flirt karna shuru kiya hi nahi, to ye personality disorder mein ek aur flirty hero ko add karna padega.

Shreya: (Rolling her eyes) Aapne sabko bata diya? (He smiles and nods) Kab bataya, tab se to aap mujhe se... fli... lambiii baatein kar rahe hain na?

Daya: (Smiling) Jab tum kahi khoyi hui thi na, tab maine message kiya tha sabko. Wo tumhara laya hua nasta karke sidha wahi nikal gaye.

Shreya hits her forehead, recalling the breakfast she brought for everyone, while Daya flashes a sweet smile at her. She eyes him then looks at their outfits and stares, snapping her fingers.

Shreya: Aaj humare outfit match nahi kare, so same pinch karna chod dijiye, aur... (stares at him intensely)Abh kabhi match karenge bhi nahi.

She turns and leaves, a flicker of frustration in her eyes. Daya watches her retreating figure, bewildered, recalling the gesture he had made after the phone call. He shakes his head in disbelief.

Daya: (Muttering) Main tumhe mujhe pinch karne keh raha tha, taki mujhe yakeen ho ki main sach mein wapas aaya hu, ye sapna nahi, aur tumne kuch aur hi samjha rahi thi... Shreyaaaa, you're driving me crazy. 

He smiles grimly as his phone rings again. He quickly disconnects the call and rushes out of the office. Shreya reaches her scooty, clenching her fist and stomping her foot.

Shreya: Focus Shreya, focus... kya hogaya hain tujhe... Daya sir se itne sari baatein ki... (a small smile appears on her lips as she shakes her head)Colleague hain, senior hain, isliye ki that sey... maat soch unke baremein, mata soch. Hey Khanaji, please meri madat kijiye.

She starts her scooty and drives away, leaving Daya to watch her disappear with a disappointed look. He glances at the car waiting for him, then back at the empty road where Shreya had just vanished.

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Crime Spot: 

The Red Club Hotel- A chaotic scene unfolds. Daya and Abhijeet are diligently collecting evidence, meticulously inspecting the scene while Sachin meticulously documents every detail. Acp Pradyuman, his face etched with worry, paces back and forth, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders. The crime scene is a mess of shattered glass and overturned furniture.

Shreya, her sharp gaze taking in every detail, examines the intricate web of clues, her mind working tirelessly. Sachin work alongside her, while Purvi analyzes the victim's surroundings, piecing together the fragments of a puzzle. Pankaj and Freddy clicks pictures of the scene, capturing every piece of evidence.

Abhijeet: (Looking at Acp) Haath Pai hui hain yaha, sir.

Acp: (Nodding) Lobby ke CCTV se kuch pata chala?

Nikhil: (Entering the room) Sir, CCTV kuch dino se kaam nahi kar raha hain.

Acp: (Turning to the hotel manager) Kya chal raha hai yaha? CCTV itne dino se band hain aur aap logo ne kuch kiya nahi iss baremein?

Abhijeet: Lagta hain ye inn sab mein mila hua hain, sir.

Manager: (Worried) Na... nahi sir, aise nahi hain. Technical issues to hamesha hoti hain, iski wajha se hotel to band nahi kar sakte.

Daya: (Joining them) Par technical issues ke karan kisi ki jaan chali jaaye, ye chalega?

Manager: Si... sir...

Acp: Security and safety, dono nahi hain iss hotel mein.

Shreya: (Coming to them) Sir, ye dekhiye, ye paper ka tukda mila hain, iski print aur quality of paper se lagta hain ye koi agreement ya official document hain.

Acp takes the paper from her, analyzing it while Daya watches her with a knowing smile.

Daya (admiring): Good job Shreya.

Abhi, a smirk playing on his lips, met Daya's gaze with a playful twinkle in his eyes. ACP, his gaze flitting between them, finally settled on the document.

Acp: Ispe ye stamp dikh raha hain. Iska pata lagao kaha ka hain.

Daya, a wide, almost unsettling grin plastered across his face, fixed his gaze on her.  Shreya, her gaze fixed on the document, felt his strong gaze on his as she shot him a quick glance. 

Ispe yeh stamp dikh raha hai. Iska pata lagao kaha ka hai, ACP ordered, his voice devoid of emotion.

Shreya: (her voice as professional) Sir, maine already research ke liye pictures bhej di hain.

Daya exclaimed, his enthusiasm bordering on the embarrassing. He clapped his hands, drawing the attention of the entire team.

Daya : Well done, Shreya! Tum ne kamal kar diya. Tumhari research se case waqt se pehle solve ho jaayega,

Shreya, visibly uncomfortable with the attention, mumbled.

Shreya :Sir...

Daya : Tarif ke kabil to ho tum(continued, ignoring her discomfort)

Abhi, amusement dancing in his eyes, placed his hands on his hips. ACP, his eyebrows raised in disapproval, finally cut Daya off.

Acp: Daya...

Daya: (fixated on Shreya)Yes sir.

ACP retorted glaring at Daya, his tone sharp.

Acp : Tarifo ke pul banaaye ho toh uspe chalke case solve kar lo.

Abhi bit his lip, his gaze shifting towards the body. Daya, however, remained oblivious to the tension, his smile unwavering. His admiration for Shreya's dedication to work, despite her evident discomfort, was apparent. He continued to shower her with compliments as they examined the crime scene, only to be met with Shreya's cold silence. ACP, his eyebrow arched in annoyance, kept his hand in his pocket, clearly disapproving of Daya's blatant admiration.

Daya: Sir, encourage kar raha hu... Shreya ki tabiyat theek nahi hain phir bhi wo yaha case solve kar rahi hain, 

Daya defended himself, feigning ignorance as everyone giggled among them selves. 

Shreya(mumbled): Sir, main sirf apna kaam kar rahi hu.

Daya shook his head with persisted, his voice overflowing with admiration.

Daya: Dedication, passion, hardwork se jo tum kaam kar rahi ho wo aur koi nahi kar sakta.

Abhi, checking camera clicks, muttered under his breath as eveyone looked at them.

Abhi:(amusement)Lo bhai abh Daya ko sirf Shreya ka dedication dikhega.

Sachin :(smiling with chimed in)Sir, tarif ke kabil to hain Shreya.

Freddy, his usual joviality not dampened by the gravity of the situation, added.

Freddy: Haa, kya khana banaya tha aaj Shreya ne?

Laughter rippled through the room, everyone except ACP and Daya, of course, Shreya.

Pankaj : (playful with excitment)Pohe khake to mera dil khush ho gaya.

Purvi:(nodding her head)Chatni bhul gaye? 

Purvi piped up, earning a chorus of agreement from the others.ACP, his gaze sweeping over the team as they became silent finally addressed them. 

Acp: Shreya, Sachin aur Pankaj ke saath jaake iss stamp ke details research karo.

Shreya : Yes sir.

Shreya noded as Daya offered his help with his eyes never leaving Shreya.

Daya : Sir, main chala jaata hu.

Shreya and Acp looked at Daya while he flashed a confident smile at them.

Daya : Tum jaoge, (Daya happily raise his eyes at shreya)lekin Abhijeet ke saath.(Daya looked at Acp while shreya bite her lips controlling her chuckle)Wo bhi iss ladki ke ghar pe... batao unhe aur dekho iski kisi se problem ya dushmani thi kya? 

ACP instructed, his words laced with suspicion. Daya nodded his gaze shifting to ACP from shreya.

As Shreya, Sachin, and Pankaj left, ACP turned to Nikhil and Freddy, instructing them to send the body to forensics and submit the evidence. Purvi, meticulously examining the victim's phone, narrowed her eyes.

Purvi : Kisine last call logs delete kardi hain sir, lekin ye maine telecom company se collect kiya hain.

Acp: Good Purvi. Abh ye jiska bhi usse breaue leke aao.

Purvi: Yes sir.

ACP stood amongst his team, a storm brewing in his mind. The case was far from solved, and the team, despite their individual efforts, seemed to be distracted by a burgeoning romantic subplot. The air buzzed with the unspoken tension, a mixture of admiration, suspicion, and the ever-present shadow of death. The investigation was far from over, and ACP knew that only time would tell whether Shreya's dedication would be enough to solve the case earlier, or if Daya's misplaced admiration would prove to be a distraction in a game of life and death.

Forensic Lab:

It was already evening, and the team had been working tirelessly since morning, their faces etched with fatigue. 

Daya, Abhijeet, ACP Pradyuman, Shreya, Nikhil, Pankaj, Sachin, Freddy, and Purvi huddled around the evidence, their eyes glued to the details. Dr. Salunke, his voice buzzing with excitement, pointed at a tiny blood splatter on the victim's dress.

Salunke: Ye... ye tumlogo ke lock ki chabi ho sakti hain.

Pankaj, ever the jovial one, couldn't help but chuckle as everyone looked at him. 

Pankaj: Sir, par hum log to koi lock leke nahi aaye the.

Salunke, looking over his spectacles, joined in the laughter, shaking his head. ACP Pradyuman, his expression unreadable, looked at Salunke with a raised eyebrow.

Acp: Tu bata na yaar, ye khoon hain kiska?  

He asked, his voice clipped and impatient as everyone were keenly listening.

Salunke: Ye iss ladki ka khoon nahi hain. 

Salunke's voice dropped, a note of seriousness replacing his their excitement.

Sachin: (puzzled with confusion)Matlabh ye khoon katil ka ho sakta hain? 

Salunke: Abh tumlog dhundo katil ka hain ya nahi. 

Salunke's response was curt, almost dismissive.

Acp : Kya bolna chatein hain? Abh ye khoon katil ka nahi to kiska hoga? 

ACP Pradyuman's irritation was evident, his tone laced with frustration. Dr. Tarika, her sharp eyes scanning the evidence, chimed in. Kisi theesre shak ka, jo uss waqt waha tha.

The team circled closer, their eyes flitting between the evidence and each other. Each piece, however small, was a thread in the tapestry of this mystery, waiting to be woven into a coherent picture. As they delved deeper, the tension in the room began to shift, almost palpable. Dr. Tarika meticulously examined the body, her skilled hands revealing the silent secrets the victim held.

Dr.Tarika: Matlabh waha uss room mein khooni ke alwa bhi aur koi tha? 

Abhijeet, his voice laced with a hint of disbelief, stepped forward admiring her.

Salunke :(showing them a skin particle): Haa, aur saboot hain ye khoon aur ladki ke haato ke Nakhon ke mile ye skin. 

Tarika : Sir, aise lagta hain ye khooni ne isse phela kabhi khoon nahi kiya tha. 

Abhi : Kya baat hain Tarika, itni badi baat kaise kahi aapne? (raised an eyebrow, his gaze locked with Tarika's. Everyone exchanged nervous glances)Mere khayal se aapko ek novel likhni chaiye crime fiction pe, best selling author banogi.

Tarika blushed faintly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. Dr. Salunke, observing the exchange, chuckled, his gaze drawn towards Daya and Shreya, who stood close together while Daya was admiring her while her focused was on the deadbody.

Salunke : Daya... 

Salunke voice drawing Daya out of his reverie. Caught off guard, Daya looked up, with shreya turning to him and meeting his gaze. A soft smile spread across his face, his eyes shining with affection.

Acp grinning his teeth looked at salunke who smirked at him.

Salunke:Daya ko wapas dekhke acha laga lekin Boss, lagra hain abh tumhare officers se case solve nahi hoga (Acp glares at him as he chuckled)Sach keh raha hu. Phele Abhijeet abh Daya dono tumhare haath pyaar ki chasni mein dube hua hain. Case chalne wala hain lamba samay tak.

Everyone noticed the subtle shift in the atmosphere, the tension easing momentarily.ACP Pradyuman, unable to ignore the burgeoning romance, cleared his throat loudly. 

Acp:Daya, Abhijeet! (his voice, sharp as a whip, snapped them out of their world)Yaha murder investigation ho raha hain, koi... game nahi kheli jaari!(he glared at everyone)Mujhe ye case... 24 ghanto mein close chaiye.

The air thickened again as the team's personal lives were abruptly cut short. ACP Pradyuman, his gaze sweeping over the room, roared. The casual banter was gone, replaced by a chilling determination. Daya, his eyes still lingering on Shreya, felt a pang of worry for her health. Abhijeet, his planned date with Tarika now a distant memory, sighed heavily. Freddy, missing his wife's chicken curry, wished he could be home, away from the grim reality of the lab. Sachin and Purvi, their romantic evening dashed, settled for a shared sense of frustration. Only Pankaj, ever the optimist, suggested ordering dinner.

Pankaj: Hum dinner order kat sakte hain sir.

ACP Pradyuman glared at him, his lips pursed in a tight line. Pankaj, reading the disapproval in his boss's eyes, took a step back, his smile fading. Salunke, however, couldn't help but smirk, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Salunke : Lagta hain ye raat lambiii hone Wali hain, par achi baat ye hain ki hum sab saath hain.

Everyone, despite their personal anxieties, grinned, a sense of camaraderie returning to the room. ACP Pradyuman, shaking his head, looked back at the dead body, his mind racing.

The mystery of the murder lingered, a silent and chilling presence. The team, their personal lives momentarily forgotten, were united by a singular purpose: to find justice for the victim, and to unravel the truth hidden within the crimson stain with the given time limit.

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So here is the 4th chapter of season 3 of KKK hope you all liked this little dramatic sweet chapter.

As the story progress Daya would be seen in a new different lime light being a love, a man in love who only wants woo his lady love however shreya is determined to fail his attempts.

Now, lets witness the story in new vision, drop in your reviews and votes if you liked the chapter.

Thankyou for all the amazing comments and likes. Thanks alot for showering your love.

Keep loving ❤️

Dareains rocks!