"Aankhein milne ki zaroorat nahi,
Bas ek nazar hi kaafi hai,
Iss shayar ke dil mein bhi ek raaz hai,
Jo kabhi khula hai, kabhi band hai."

~ Author ~

Mumbai, India

Kabir and Meher locked eyes, the silence between them palpable. Meher's gaze darted from Kabir to the TV screen, her mind racing with questions. What connected Utkarsh's murder to the Statue of Justice? And why did she receive that eerie message? Kabir's expression was a mask of contemplation, his eyes narrowed in thought.

"We need to find out what links you to Utkarsh," he said, his voice low and serious.

Meher shook her head, her brow furrowed in confusion. "I've never even met him before."

Kabir's gaze intensified. "Then why are you receiving these messages? And what's the connection to the Statue of Justice?"

Meher's shoulders sagged, her eyes dropping to the floor. "I don't know, Kabir. I just don't know."

The room fell silent, the only sound the hum of the TV in the background. Meher's mind was a jumble of thoughts, her heart racing with fear and uncertainty. Who was behind these messages? And what did they want from her?

"What's the plan now, Meher?" Kabir asked, breaking the silence.

Meher pursed her lips, thinking hard. "I think we should talk to Officer Mistry."

Kabir raised an eyebrow. "About?"

"Tara's letter," Meher replied. "It was covered up as a suicide, but Anushka's letter vaguely matched hers. I think we should tell the police about it."

Kabir's expression turned sceptical. "Will Officer Mistry believe you? And what about the message you received?"

Meher's eyes narrowed. "If she doesn't believe it, I'm afraid I'll have to take matters into my own hands. About the message, let's wait for a while until we have something concrete."

Kabir's expression turned grave, his eyes widening with concern. "Meher, we can't risk you taking matters into your own hands. We need to work with the police to ensure your safety and uncover the truth."

Meher nodded reluctantly, knowing Kabir was right. "I know, but I can't shake off the feeling that time is running out. We need to act fast. Even if we are working with the police, I will work independently on the side."

"We will work together," Kabir emphasised letting her know that he wasn't leaving her alone in any of this.

Kabir's phone rang, breaking the silence that had fallen between them. He answered, his expression serious as he listened to the voice on the other end. Meher watched him speaking animatedly.

After a few moments, Kabir hung up and turned to her. "That was Officer Mistry's office," he said, his voice low and serious. "She wants to meet with us to discuss a new development in Anushka's case. You weren't picking up the phone."

Meher's heart skipped a beat. Anushka's case. What a twist, wasn't it? Just now they were talking and Kabir got a call from Officer Mistry. Was it an indication that they were going on the right path? Her case had been haunting her for weeks. She had so many questions, but no answers. Was Anushka's death really a suicide, or was something more sinister at play?

"What kind of development?" Meher asked, her mind racing with possibilities. Had they found new evidence? A new lead? It must be something important since they were called this late at night.

It was past ten.

Kabir shook his head. "I don't know, but we'll find out soon enough. Let's go."

Meher nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She grabbed her bag and followed Kabir out of the apartment, her mind racing with possibilities.

What would they discover? And how would it relate to the mysterious messages she had been receiving? As they drove to the police station, Meher couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What lay ahead? And who was behind the sinister messages that had been stalking her? The statue of justice seemed to loom over her, a constant reminder of the unknown dangers lurking in the shadows.

Her head seemed to ache with all the new information.

When they arrived at the station, Officer Mistry greeted them with a serious expression. "Thank you for coming," she said, leading them to a small room in the back. "We've received new information in Anushka's case. I think it's time we took a closer look."

Kabir and Meher take their seats opposite her, waiting for the officer to start speaking.

Officer Mistry hesitated, her eyes darting between Kabir and Meher. "I'm not sure I should be sharing this information with you," she said, her voice laced with uncertainty. "To be honest, my superiors have warned me against involving civilians in this case. They're worried about the investigation being compromised."

Kabir leaned forward, his expression persuasive. "Officer, we're just trying to uncover the truth. Meher's a journalist, she can help get the word out. And we promise to be discreet."

Meher nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. "Yes, officer. I can use my platform to help you get more information and more leads. And we'll make sure to keep everything confidential."

Officer Mistry sighed, her shoulders sagging in defeat. "Alright, but Kabir, I need you to leave. This is police business, and I can't have any more civilians involved."

Kabir nodded, standing up. "I understand. I'll wait outside."

As Kabir left the room, Officer Mistry turned to Meher, her expression serious. "Meher, we've found something disturbing. Over the last five years, 36 girls have gone missing, in other words, disappeared on their own, or been found dead. Almost all of them sent a letter before their disappearance or death. And the letters— they're almost identical to the suicide note of Anushka."

Meher's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

Officer Mistry pulled out a file, her hands shaking slightly as she opened it. "The words are almost the same, but the context is different. It's as if someone is using the same script, but with a different purpose each time considering if it's either a suicide or a disappearance."

Meher's eyes widened as she scanned the file, her mind racing with the implications. This was bigger than she had imagined, more sinister than she had thought.

Meher took a deep breath, her eyes clouding over with memories. "I had a friend. Sahil and I were close friends. We met in college, and we went through a lot together."

Officer Mistry nodded, her expression encouraging. "Go on."

Meher's voice was steady. "A few months ago, Sahil was killed in a car accident. We were driving together, and another car crashed into us. I survived, but he didn't."

Officer Mistry's eyes widened. "I'm so sorry, Meher. That must have been traumatic."

Meher nodded, her expression resolute. "It was. And it got worse. After the accident, yesterday I went to his house to look for answers. And to my horror, the house was turned upside down as if someone had desperately wanted something from him, and that's when I found this."

Meher pulled out the letter from her bag, her hands firm as she handed it to Officer Mistry. "This was my friend Tara's suicide note. After you showed me Anushka's letter, it felt a lot similar. I wasn't sure if this could be related but just in case this might be of help."

Officer Mistry took the letter, her eyes scanning the page. "This does look similar to the other letters we found. The language, the tone— it's all the same." Aashna Mistry was quite surprised looking at the letter, which raised a myriad of questions inside her head.

Meher nodded, her heart racing. "I knew it. I knew it was connected. And I think— I think Abhimanyu's death might be connected too."

Officer Mistry's expression turned sharp. "Tell me more about Abhimanyu."

Meher's voice was firm. "He was my boyfriend. He died in a bike accident exactly a week after Tara's alleged suicide. I never really searched much on his case and I believed what Sahil told me because I was too grief stricken to process it."

Officer Mistry's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Meher's expression was determined. "Along with Tara's suicide note, I found Sahil's pocket diary which he used to carry with him always. In that diary, he mentioned Abhimanyu's death and even Tara's, which said it wasn't an accident, that it was a murder. And now, with these letters, I think it's all connected." she proceeds to show the small entry in that pocket diary.

Officer Mistry's expression turned grim as she read the text on that page over and over again. "I see. And you think Sahil's death, Tara's death, and Abhimanyu's death are all connected to these letters?"

Meher nodded, her heart racing. "Maybe, maybe not. I think we need to investigate further."

Officer Mistry nodded, her eyes determined. "We will, Meher. I will keep this letter with me so that I can send it to forensics to check if the same person has written all these letters. We will also check with that of the victims."

"I had a question, Officer," Aashna nodded, urging her to go on. "Why did the police not match the handwriting before? Why now, when it is almost too late?"

"It's never too late, Meher," Aashna stated, giving her a small smile which turned grim as she mumbled her next words. "The reason why handwritings aren't put into forensics in cases like suicide or disappearance is because even the police sometimes need the validation that something severe must have happened to reach that stage. Nobody, even the police can think of suicide as a murder, if the tracks are so neatly covered. We are a twisted society, justice is also twisted."

The room fell silent, the only sound the quiet hum of the fluorescent lights overhead. Officer Mistry's eyes never left Meher's, a fierce determination burning in them. She would uncover the truth, no matter what it took.

*   *   *

The next day arrived as quickly as it could have, for Meher had her first big presentation as the CEO of AV Media Corp.

The auditorium was abuzz with anticipation, the air thick with expectation. The cream of the business world had gathered in this iconic venue, eager to witness a momentous occasion. The presentation, "A New Era of Innovation," was the most highly anticipated event of the year, with many calling it a turning point in the media industry.

The stakes were high, and the audience was a veritable who's who of industry leaders, investors, and visionaries. They had all come to see the unveiling of a revolutionary concept, one that promised to transform the media landscape and reshape the future of communication. It was a platform, where today the AV Group can gain more potential business allies.

The auditorium itself was a marvel of modern architecture, with towering screens and state-of-the-art technology. The atmosphere was electric, with a sense of excitement and possibility hanging in the air. The audience was dressed to impress, with designer suits and designer dresses on full display.

As the crowd chatted and networked, the tension built. This was more than just a presentation— it was a moment of reckoning, a chance to be part of something historic. The media world was watching, and the audience was ready to witness greatness.

Meher's vision was the driving force behind this presentation. Shortly after she was appointed CEO of AV Media Corp, she envisioned a revolutionary concept that would disrupt the status quo and redefine the future of media. She had spent countless hours brainstorming, researching, and refining her idea, determined to make it a reality. And now, the moment of truth had finally arrived.

The stage was set, the lights were dimmed, and the anticipation was palpable. The media world was holding its breath, waiting to see what would be revealed next.

Meher stood backstage, her heart racing with anticipation. She could hear the murmur of the audience, the shuffling of feet, and the occasional cough. She felt a sense of nervous energy building up inside her. This was it— her moment to shine, to present her vision to the world.

Dev, her newly appointed secretary, stood beside her, looking a bit nervous himself. It was his first day on the job, and he was still getting familiar with the surroundings. "Ma'am, good luck out there," he said, his voice low and respectful. "I know you'll do great."

Meher smiled slightly, trying to reassure him. "Thank you, Dev. I appreciate your support. And don't worry, I'll try to make it a good first day for you too."

Dev nodded, looking a bit more at ease. "Yes, Ma'am. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly backstage."

Meher took a deep breath, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Dev for his enthusiasm. "Thank you, Dev. I'll be counting on you."

Just then, the stage manager appeared, cueing Meher's introduction. Dev gave her a nod of encouragement before taking his position, ready to assist her throughout the presentation. Meher took one final deep breath, and then stepped out onto the stage, ready to face the audience.

Meher stepped onto the stage, her eyes scanning the sea of faces before her. The bright lights and anticipation of the audience hit her like a wave, but as she began to settle in, her gaze landed on a few familiar faces that made her heart swell with emotion.

In the front row, beaming with pride, sat her parents. Her mother's eyes shone with happy tears, and her father's face wore a broad smile. Meher's heart swelled with love and gratitude for their unwavering support.

Next to them, her in-laws, her second set of parents, sat with encouraging smiles. Divya and Akash Raizada had always been a source of strength and guidance for her, and she felt grateful for their presence.

As she continued to scan the audience, her eyes landed on her best friends, Aryan and Arya, who were sitting in the second row, looking stylish and confident. They had been her rock throughout her journey, offering advice, encouragement, and a listening ear whenever she needed it. Meher's heart filled with joy and appreciation for their unwavering friendship.

And then, her eyes met Maan's, sitting in the third row, his eyes shining with a warm and supportive gaze. Beside him, Kabir sat with a gentle smile, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding and acceptance. Meher felt a sense of gratitude for the way their dynamics had shifted, from once being sworn enemies to now sharing a bond of friendship and mutual respect. She was touched by the way they had put aside their differences and come together to support her.

Meher's gaze lingered on each of these special faces, drawing strength and inspiration from their presence. She took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm and focus wash over her. With a gentle smile, she began her presentation, ready to share her vision with the world.

Meher walked confidently to the podium, her heels clicking on the polished floor. She greeted the audience of investors, employees, and partners with a warm smile, her eyes shining with determination. "Good morning, everyone," she began, her voice clear and strong. "Today marks a new chapter in our company's history. As the CEO of AV Media Corp, I am excited to share my vision for our future." She clicked a remote, and the screen behind her came to life, displaying the title slide: "A New Era Of Innovation."

"I know we've faced challenges in the past," she acknowledged, "but I believe we have the talent, creativity, and drive to succeed. We just need a clear direction and a commitment to innovation." Meher's voice was filled with conviction, and her presence commanded attention. She paused for a moment, surveying the audience, before continuing to share her vision for the company's future.

Meher presented her vision, and her passion and enthusiasm were infectious. "We will expand into new markets and platforms, develop cutting-edge content, foster a culture of innovation and creativity, and prioritize diversity, equality, and inclusion," she declared, each point appearing on the screen behind her. "We'll launch a new streaming platform, MediaMax, which will offer exclusive original content and personalized recommendations," she explained. "We'll develop a content creation fund for emerging talent, New Voices, which will provide resources and support for underrepresented creators. We'll establish an immersive media lab, FutureZone, which will explore cutting-edge technologies like AR and VR. And we'll implement diversity and inclusion training programs, Unity in Action, which will promote a culture of respect and empathy."

Meher's words were met with nods of approval and murmurs of excitement from the audience. Her confidence and conviction were palpable, and her vision for the company's future was inspiring. She paused for a moment, surveying the room, before continuing to outline her plans for implementation and growth.

Meher began, her voice confident and clear, "As you know, our company has always been committed to innovation and excellence. And today, I want to share with you my vision for our future. A future where we not only continue to thrive in the media industry but also make a positive impact on the world." She clicked a remote, and the screen behind her came to life, displaying a sleek and modern news studio. "Our new news channel, 'TruthSeeker', will be dedicated to uncovering the stories that need to be told, and shedding light on the issues that matter most."

Kabir's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on the screen as if scrutinizing the details. His expression was thoughtful, and Meher could sense his interest and engagement. The thing was, he too had no idea what Meher had planned since she was too secretive about it. And now it was in front of the world, in the grandest scheme of things.

Meher continued, her voice filled with conviction, "We'll have a team of fearless journalists and investigators, who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. And with our cutting-edge technology and innovative storytelling, we'll make news more accessible and engaging than ever before." She introduced her leadership team, and their photos and bios appeared on the screen. "These individuals are the best in the industry, and I'm honoured to work alongside them," she said. "Together, we'll make our vision a reality."

As she concluded, Meher received a standing ovation. The audience applauded with a sense of anticipation and expectation, their faces reflecting a sense of trust and confidence in her leadership. "Let's revolutionize media and entertainment, and make our mark on the world," she declared, her voice filled with resolve. The applause lingered, a testament to the sense of purpose and determination that Meher had inspired in her team.

Meher smiled, feeling proud and humbled by the response. She knew that she and her team had a long and challenging journey ahead, but she was confident that together, they could overcome any obstacle and achieve something truly remarkable. Her eyes shone with determination and gratitude as she gazed out at the sea of supportive faces, her heart filled with appreciation for the trust and faith that they had placed in her leadership.

This was her dream.

And by all means, she was making it come true.

As Meher concluded her presentation, she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over her.

But what really caught her attention was the way Kabir, her husband, was looking at her. His eyes were fixed on her with an intensity that made her heart race.

As he made his way to the stage, she felt a flutter in her chest. She had never seen him look at her like that before, and it caught her off guard.

His broad shoulders, chiselled jawline, and piercing eyes all seemed more masculine and attractive than she had ever noticed before.

When he enveloped her in a warm embrace, she felt a surge of warmth and comfort. His arms wrapped tightly around her, holding her close to his chest.

She felt a sense of safety and protection in his embrace, but also a thrill of excitement.

"You were amazing, Meher," he whispered in her ear, his breath sending shivers down her spine. "I'm so proud of you."

She smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude for his unwavering support, but also a growing awareness of his masculine presence. As they pulled back, their eyes locked, and she saw a flicker of attraction in his gaze. A spark that made her heart race and her pulse quicken.

Kabir's gaze lingered on Meher's face, and for a moment, he felt a spark of attraction ignite within him. It was a fleeting sensation, but one that left him breathless. He noticed the way her eyes shone with determination, the gentle curve of her smile, and the soft flush of her cheeks. In that instant, he saw her in a new light, and his heart responded with a quiet, insistent beat.

Meher sensed it too, it was beyond obvious.

Meher's heart skipped a beat as she met Kabir's gaze, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. She sensed the subtle shift in his eyes, the faint flicker of attraction that he couldn't quite conceal. Her own pulse quickened in response, and she felt a flutter in her chest. She didn't look away, though,  instead, she held his gaze, her eyes locked on his with a quiet intensity. They just looked at each other for a moment, the air between them crackling with a newfound tension.

Just as the moment between Meher and Kabir seemed to stretch on forever, Mr. Ranavat's voice cut through the air, shattering the tension.

Mr. Ranavat, a board member and notorious critic, sneered at Meher's accomplishment. He and Meher often clashed in the board meetings, but this setting was different because cameras were around.

"Congratulations on your presentation, Meher," he said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "I'm shocked you managed to string together a few coherent sentences. After all, you lack the experience and skills that someone like me has honed over decades in the business world. I mean, let's be real, you're still wet behind the ears. You have a lot to learn before you can even begin to think about sitting at the same table as me."

Meher felt a surge of frustration at his condescending words, but she refused to take the bait. She knew that responding to his taunts would only fuel his ego and give him the attention he craved. Instead, she maintained a calm and professional demeanour, her eyes never leaving his face. Kabir's expression turned even darker, his eyes flashing with anger on her behalf, but he too remained silent, knowing that engaging with Mr. Ranavat would only lead to more trouble.

Just as Mr. Ranavat was about to continue his verbal assault, Ahaan Chahal and his father, Mr. Chahal, approached the group. "Meher, congratulations on your outstanding presentation!" Ahaan exclaimed, his eyes shining with genuine admiration. "You truly knocked it out of the park!"

Mr. Chahal nodded in agreement, his face beaming with pride. "Yes, Meher, you demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision. Your innovative ideas and confident delivery were truly impressive. You have a bright future ahead of you, young lady!"

Meher's face lit up with a radiant smile as she accepted their praise, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. Kabir's expression softened, a warm smile spreading across his face as he witnessed Meher's moment of triumph. Mr. Ranavat's scowl deepened, his disapproval palpable, but he remained silent, realizing he was outnumbered and outmatched.

As Ahaan continued to praise Meher, Kabir's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing into a scowl. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of possessiveness towards Meher, and the knowledge that she had gone on a date with Ahaan a few months back irked him. He didn't like how Ahaan looked at Meher, with an admiration that bordered on adoration. Kabir's gaze lingered on Ahaan, his eyes flashing a warning as if daring him to come closer.

Ahaan, oblivious to Kabir's simmering tension, continued to chat with Meher, his father nodding in agreement. Meher, however, sensed the sudden change in Kabir's demeanour and shot him a quizzical glance, her eyes searching for answers. Kabir's scowl deepened, his jaw clenched, as he struggled to rein in his emotions.

"Enough of talking," Arvind Chahal interrupted the conversation. "I heard there is a good lineup for food in the banquet. Anyone up?"

Ahaan nodded in agreement, his eyes crinkling in the corners. "Papa, you and your food," he shook his head with a sigh as he teased. "Let's go."

"Never say no to food," the older Chahal laughs, his laughter grumbling through his insides, making the people around him laugh.

As Arvind's laughter faded away, Meher's gaze drifted upwards, her eyes scanning the auditorium until they reached the topmost row, the last seat in the shadows. That's when she saw him— a figure in black, standing out against the bright lights of the stage. He was looking directly at her, his face obscured by the darkness.

Meher's heart skipped a beat as their eyes locked in a silent stare. She felt a shiver run down her spine but still couldn't look away. The figure didn't move, didn't blink, just kept staring at her with an intensity that made her skin prickle.

Then, without warning, he raised his hand and gave her a peace sign, his fingers splayed out in a slow, deliberate motion. Meher's mind raced as she tried to process what was happening. Before she could react, the figure turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows like a ghost.

Meher was left standing there, feeling like she'd just been punched in the gut. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think. All she could do was stare at the empty seat, wondering who that was, and what he wanted with her.

And here we come to the end of the chapter. Mystery, emotions and feelings— this chapter was filled with everything. Kabir and Meher, was friendship only a facade or there was always something more? Who is the person in the black? Let me know your thoughts below.

Oh, did I mention that I am a Wattpad Creator now? It has been a while and I always forget to mention it.

The summer is summering and I had my first share of mangoes this year. It was so tasty.

Please VOTE, SHARE and COMMENT. Comment a heart if you love the chapter. And comment on what you thought about this chapter. I would love to read your theories.

With Love,

Akii.