"Raaz ki gehraiyaan aur bhi gehri ho gayi hain"

~ Author ~

Mumbai, India

As they drove to AV Villa, the winding roads and lush greenery outside blurred together in a soothing haze. Meher gazed out the window, her mind still preoccupied with the mysterious figure. She couldn't shake off the feeling that their eyes had locked in a silent understanding, a connection that went beyond a mere glance.

Her thoughts constantly went back to the figure in black. She wondered if she could see that person again, and what would happen if their paths crossed again.

Sensing her distraction, Kabir turned up the music, and the car was filled with the lively rhythms of a popular Bollywood song. Meher smiled, grateful for the diversion, and began to hum along.

But despite Kabir's calm and welcoming aura with the comforting familiarity of the villa's approach, Meher couldn't bring herself to share what had happened in the auditorium. She wasn't sure why— maybe it was the uncertainty of what she had seen or the fear of being dismissed as overly imaginative. Or perhaps it was the nagging feeling that this was something she needed to process on her own, something that felt deeply personal.

Whatever the reason, Meher kept her secret locked away, hidden behind a mask of calm, as the car turned into the villa's driveway, and the warm, golden lights spilt out to welcome them home. Little did she know, the mystery was only just beginning to unfold.

As they entered the house, Meher was enveloped in the warmth and chaos of her family. Kabir's parents, Akash and Divya, greeted them with smiles, while Meher's parents, Vikas and Shikha, chatted with them from the couch. The twins were in some corner, fighting over something.

Meher felt a sense of comfort and belonging as she slipped off her stilettos and joined the family. Kabir, however, seemed lost in thought, his eyes clouded with a mix of emotions. Meher noticed Kabir holding himself back for a moment, he seemed like his old self

Akash noticed his son's distant expression and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Get in son."

Kabir forced a smile, his eyes avoiding Meher's. "Yeah."

Well, that was another thing Meher wanted to fix.

She knew better than to push him, so she simply gave him a supportive nod and made her way to the twins, where Arya dragged a reluctant Meher upstairs.

Arya grasped Meher's arm as she pulled her to her room, her eyes sparkling with excitement, and pulled her towards the bed. "Sit down, Meher, we need to talk!" She gestured dramatically, her hands fluttering like a conductor leading an orchestra.

Meher hesitated, but Arya's enthusiasm was infectious. She sat down on the bed, her eyes fixed on Arya's animated face.

Arya plopped down beside her, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Meher, darling! We've noticed a sizzling chemistry between you and Bhai since your return from Andaman," she squealed, making Meher close her ears, "And today, at the auditorium, that hug wasn't just a normal one, it was out of lurve," it was the way she emphasised on love, red crept on Meher's face.

Meher's face flushed, and she attempted to downplay it. "Arya, it was just a friendly hug. Stop with the nonsense, okay?"

Arya's expression turned playful, with a hint of teasing. "Friendly hug? Meher, you're not fooling anyone! And I know Bhai too well— he can't take his eyes off you, that robot, he was staring at you the entire time."

Meher's heart raced, and she struggled to maintain her composure. "Arya, please," she almost begged. "Let's not make a big deal out of this. We're just comfortable with each other, that's all."

Arya's gaze lingered on Meher, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Comfortable?" her lips quirked up as she passed another teasing glance to her best friend. "I know you and I know my brother, Mehru. Something has definitely changed and if this," her finger zeroed over Meher's red face, "is what your friendship is called, I don't what will happen when you actually fall in love with my brother."

"It's not love, Arya," Meher knew it wasn't because she had been there once yet her heart thudded at the mention of it.

She knew what it was.

Attraction, a strong one at that. She would never admit it aloud.

Maybe the attraction was always there, it was just that her emotions regarding him did not make it lead to somewhere else and also, distance played a part. She was always hyper aware whenever he had come close, something that Kabir too was well aware of.

Meher felt like dangling over a dangerous thread. Everything was going too fast.

Arya tutted. "Tomato, Tomahto— just the semantics. You won't admit it, but you know what I mean."

Oh, she sure did.

*   *   *

Meanwhile, Aryan pulled him into the lounge room, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Bhai, I've got some news for you."

Kabir raised an eyebrow, his expression curious. "What is it?"

Aryan leaned in, a conspiratorial tone in his voice. "I took care of Mr. Ranavat for you."

Kabir's face remained neutral. "What did you do?"

Aryan chuckled a mischievous glint in his eye. "Let's just say I slapped enough lawsuits on him for bribery and corruption that he'll be resigning from the board soon."

Kabir's expression turned thoughtful. "Did you do something illegal? Dirty work?"

Aryan tutted, his expression mock-offended. "Kabir bhai, lawyers don't do the dirty work. We clean up the dirty work. Let's just say that I rearranged the legal landscape to make it difficult for Mr. Ranavat to continue his unsavoury activities."

Kabir nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thanks, Aryan. I appreciate it."

Aryan grinned, proud of himself. "Anytime, Bhai. That's what brothers are for."

But then, Aryan's expression turned to tease. "So, bhai, why were you so worried about Meher? Is there something we should know?"

Kabir's face remained serious, his eyes narrowing. "Aryan, this isn't a joke. Mr. Ranavat was harassing her, and I won't tolerate that."

Aryan's expression turned to tease again, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Come on, bhai, don't be so serious. I mean you and Meher," he almost laughed.

Kabir's face remained stern, his eyes warning Aryan to stop. "Aryan, I mean it. This isn't a joke."

Aryan chuckled, undeterred. "Oh, bhai, you're so easy to wind up. I'm just saying, Meher's a great person, and you two make a fantastic couple. Don't deny it, bhai. I see the way you look at her now and it is different from before."

Kabir's expression turned cold, his voice firm. If anything he would never admit a single thing in front of the twins. They would never let him live it down. "Aryan, that's enough. I'm warning you."

Aryan held up his hands, grinning. "Okay, okay, bhai. I'll stop. But just remember, I'm always right, I told you I would leave no stone unturned to make you guys fall in love, and I guess that's working pretty well. Andaman ka plan kaam kar gaya," He whistled a romantic tune, much to Kabir's dismay.

Kabir's eyes narrowed, his face unyielding. "Aryan, sometimes I wonder how we're related."

Aryan laughed, unfazed. "Well, same parents, same blood." He shrugged.

Kabir shook his head, his expression unchanging. "You're something else, Aryan."

Aryan smiled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Someone's got to keep things interesting around here. And besides, I'm just trying to help you out, bhai. You need to lighten up and admit your feelings for Meher already." He wiggled his eyebrows in a teasing manner, which irritated Kabir to the core.

Kabir's face remained serious, his eyes never leaving Aryan's face. "Aryan, I'm warning you. Drop it."

Aryan chuckled, his grin never wavering. "Okay, okay. But mark my words, that day isn't that far."

Kabir Raizada never regretted having a brother as much as he did today.

When their eyes met as Meher trudged down the stairs with Arya tailing by her side, there was a stiff change in the air, they could feel it. Meher forced herself to train her eyes away from him, for it was difficult for her to keep on looking at him and not feeling things.

The attraction was strong, it was palpable and— breakable.

One move towards each other and it felt like all knots would come undone almost immediately, as if those never existed.

Kabir's gaze bore into Meher's, his eyes burning with an unspoken intensity. Meher's eyes, in turn, held a quiet longing, a secret yearning that she couldn't quite conceal. The air between them seemed to vibrate with unspoken emotions, the tension palpable and electric.

As they stood there, locked in a silent understanding, the world around them melted away. Time itself seemed to pause, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a sea of unspoken desire. Meher's cheeks flushed a soft pink hue that betrayed her hidden feelings. Kabir's jaw clenched, his eyes never leaving hers, as if daring her to look away.

The silence between them was deafening, a heavy stillness that seemed to hold its breath, waiting for something to break the spell. Meher's eyes never wavered, her gaze holding Kabir's with a quiet strength, a silent challenge to acknowledge the attraction that hung in the air like a tangible force.

Kabir's eyes, in turn, seemed to bore deeper, as if searching for something hidden, something that only Meher could reveal. His gaze was a gentle caress, a soft exploration of her very soul, and Meher felt herself melting under its warmth, her heart pounding with every step as she descended the stairs.

Kabir's face was a mask of quiet restraint, his features chiselled and strong, yet his eyes betrayed a deep longing, a yearning that seemed to echo Meher's own secret desires. Meher's lips parted slightly, her breath catching in her throat, as if she were poised on the brink of a silent confession.

The moment hung suspended, a delicate balance of tension and anticipation, as if the very fate of their hearts hung in the balance. And then, without a word, Kabir turned and walked away, leaving Meher to wonder if she had imagined the whole encounter. But the memory of his eyes, burning with an unspoken intensity, lingered on, a haunting reminder of their shared connection.

As Kabir walked away, Meher felt a pang of disappointment, her heart still racing from the intense moment they shared. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something significant had just happened, something that had the potential to change the course of their lives forever.

Her thoughts jumbled as she replayed the silent interaction between them over and over again, trying to find answers to the raging thoughts erupting inside of her. She had an overwhelming urge to follow him, to probably ask what it was all about but she knew better. It wasn't wise to make a mountain out of a mole.

But her feet seemed rooted to the spot, her body frozen in indecision. And so she stood there, lost in thought, her heart still reeling from the encounter, her soul searching for answers that only Kabir could provide.

As Kabir walked away, he couldn't help but feel unsettled. He had been drawn to Meher in a way he couldn't quite explain, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that surprised even himself.

He felt a connection with Meher, a spark that flew between them like a live wire. It was a deep understanding, a sense of recognition that went beyond words. Kabir had seen something in Meher that resonated with him, a kindred spirit that echoed his own thoughts and feelings.

As he walked away, Kabir couldn't help but feel jittery, a sense of possibility. He wondered if Meher had felt it too if she had sensed the same connection that he had. He hoped that their paths would cross again soon, so he could explore this newfound bond further.

He had no idea that Meher had misread the entire situation about him walking away without a word, that she thought he was rejecting her. He was oblivious to the turmoil she was experiencing, the confusion and disappointment that filled her heart.

A misunderstanding had already started brewing even without the exchange of words.

*   *   *

It felt like they had gone back to square one. Maybe, calling it back to square one will be a bit too much. They were just not able to meet each other's eyes after sharing an intense eye lock after the event.

And this had been going on for the last five days.

If Kabir was helping Meher in the kitchen, he would ask for directions without looking at Meher and Meher would answer, with her back facing him.

If they accidentally brush their hands against each other, one one them would spring from the seat and try to go somewhere far.

Which is what happened almost three days ago, when at night Kabir and Meher were silently watching a comedy film, when their hands accidentally brushed against each other while they were about to grab a popcorn, which was settled in between them, creating a respectful distance between the two until Kabir sprang up from his seat as if he was electrocuted and in that process, he tripped himself and hit his head on wall.

Kabir winced.

Meher screamed.

And the deceitful popcorn bowl went crashing down to the floor.

The ants could sledge on a small cube of sugar over the bump that decorated his forehead, even the hair that fell on his face felt like they were floating.

It was purple and blue.

Both his heart and his head.

Figuratively and literally.

And for the last two days he had been consistently asking Aanchal to conceal his bump with make up, the latter was filled with joy as she enjoyed press— sorry, covering his wound.

"The bigger the better," Maan covered his laugh over a cough as Kabir glared at him over the innuendo. Not funny indeed.

Or not Aryan patting his best friend on the shoulder telling her that he always knew that she was the athletic kind. He even went too far to ask for tips until Meher stomped on his newest favourite boots with her pencil stilettos.

All in all, it was a myriad of comedic messes that both of them had drawn themselves into.

Currently, Marco 'Dev' Luciano sat in front of Meher, trying not to chew his pen while his boss was looking a bit too happy for her own good.

The reason? Rysa Khatri stood in front of her, glaring at Meher. "What do you mean you are making me a new team, Meher? I am fine with my old team already," Her finely manicured long red nails came into her vision, the lady was out for blood.

Meher raised her eyebrow for her obvious disapproval. She wanted to scoff at her audacity. She was well aware of her tyrant ways and how she made her team members cry tears of blood.

She shrugged. "Well, your head manager could have relayed this news but I took the pain because I like your work Rysa," she heavily emphasised calling her by her name, her voice laden with honey. "As a team lead, you should keep on experimenting with new people and also give them a chance. That way you will get some new ideas, darling."

"But—" she tried to protest, but Meher raised her hand to stop her from speaking.

"My decision is final, Rysa. It is not changing."

Rysa stomped her feet and turned to leave the room when Meher stopped her again.

"And Rysa," Rysa turned, looking at Meher furiously.

"Call me Ma'am. I am the CEO of this place, not your friend," Meher gave her one of her best sickly sweet smiles, before waving her off.

After Rysa left, Meher turned to her assistant, flashing her biggest smile. "How was the show?"

"Perfect," he gestured with his fingers and Meher nodded in satisfaction.

"All right, what is left on my schedule?"

"You are supposed to have a meeting with the Team D for their coverage on Utkarsh Patil's case," Meher's smile faltered for a moment, her thoughts drifting to the mysterious message and the statue of justice. She pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand.

"Why are you so invested in this case, ma'am?" Dev asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

Meher's expression turned professional. "It's a high-profile case, Dev. The victim was the Chief Minister's son. We need to ensure our coverage is thorough and unbiased."

Team D was already seated as they entered the meeting room, waiting for her. Meher took her place at the head of the table, her expression firm.

"Let's get started," she said, her voice firm. "What's the status of the Utkarsh Patil case?"

Tarun who was the team leader for this case began his briefing. "We've been investigating the leads, ma'am. We're following up on some promising tips. We've also been analyzing the crime scene evidence and witness statements."

Meher nodded, her eyes engaged. "What about the suspect list? Any new developments?"

Tarun shook his head. "Not yet, ma'am. But we're working on it. We're also looking into possible motives and connections to the victim's family."

Meher's eyes narrowed. "I want a detailed report on the investigation so far. And I want it on my desk by the end of the day."

Just then, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her eyes widening as she read the text from Officer Mistry. "The handwriting in all the notes, including Tara's, matches. It looks like a copycat writer fooled everyone. And it's confirmed, that the same person has written all of the notes. We need to start again from scratch."

She felt a chill run down her spine. This changes everything. The case she thought she knew just confirmed her suspicions. The copycat writer, the notes, Abhimanyu, Tara and possibly Sahil's murders— it was all connected. But how?

It seemed like old cases were now to be reopened, again.

Well, another end to the chapter. This was a bit difficult to write as I forgot the flow of writing. Kabir and Meher seem to have some communication problems by not communicating at all. Their growing closeness (and misunderstanding), how far will it go? Now that it has indeed been confirmed that Tara has been murdered, what will Meher do now? Comment your thoughts in the comments below.

Surprisingly, there was a dust storm and rain in Mumbai. The weather has turned out to be so nice and it is actually less hot now. How's the weather at your place?

Please do VOTE, SHARE and COMMENT as you read this chapter. Comment a heart letting me know that you guys enjoyed reading this chapter.

With Love,

Akii.