Chapter One.

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Ek ladki bheegi bhaagi si...
Sote raaton mein jaagi si....
Mili ek ajnabi se,
Koi aage na piche,
Tum hi kaho yeh koi baat hai..

- Kishore Kumar..

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Author's POV

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As the sun's warm rays streamed through the window, Abhishek slowly opened his eyes, groggily emerging from his afternoon slumber. But his tranquility was short-lived. Ishan and Shubman sat beside him, their faces etched with somber expressions.

"Guys, what's going on?" Abhishek asked, rubbing his eyes, still disoriented. Ishan's voice was barely above a whisper. "Trishna's gone, Abhay."

Abhishek's eyes widened in shock. "What? How?" Shubman's words dropped like a bombshell. "She was murdered."

Abhishek's mind reeled, struggling to process the news. His ex-girlfriend, Trishna, brutally taken away? He couldn't find words.

Ishan's concerned voice broke the silence. "Abhay, you okay?" Abhishek's whispered response was laced with numbness. "I...I don't know."

The bell shattered the silence, jolting Abhishek out of his trance. He exchanged anxious glances with Shubman and Ishan before rising from his bed. The trio stepped outside, Abhishek hesitantly opening the door to reveal two police officers.

"Good evening, Mr. Sharma," Officer Deep Joshi said, his expression stern. "I'm investigating a case filed by Arun Chaudhari's and Trishna Singh's families against you, Mr. Kishan, and Mr. Gill."

Abhishek's eyes widened in shock. "What? That's absurd!"

Officer Joshi's tone remained neutral. "The families allege your involvement in Trishna's murder. You'll need a lawyer to defend yourself, Mr. Sharma."

Abhishek's voice trembled. "We didn't do anything, Mr. Joshi! This is a mistake!"

Joshi's expression didn't waver. "You're under custody, Mr. Sharma. We'll monitor your movements closely, as well as Mr. Gill's and Mr. Kishan's. You'll face court in two weeks."

With that, Joshi turned to leave, leaving the trio reeling. Shubman placed a reassuring hand on Abhishek's shoulder. "We're with you, Abhay, no matter what."

Abhishek's mind raced as he struggled to comprehend the accusation. "Trishna's murder? How can they think that?" He looked at Shubman and Ishan, hoping for answers, but they seemed just as bewildered.

Shubman's grip on Abhishek's shoulder tightened. "We're with you, Abhay. We know you'd never harm Trishna."

Ishan nodded vigorously. "This is a setup. We need to find out who's behind it."

Officer Joshi's departing words still lingered: "Two weeks. Court. Custody." Abhishek's world was crumbling.

"What do we do now?" Abhishek asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

Shubman's expression turned resolute. "We find a lawyer, and we start investigating. We clear your name, Abhay."

Ishan nodded. "And we protect you from whoever is behind this." As the reality of the situation sunk in, Abhishek's fear gave way to determination. "Let's do it. Let's prove our innocence." Together, the trio stepped inside, ready to face the challenges ahead.

Exhausted from their six-hour search, Abhishek, Shubman, and Ishan slumped on the couch, defeated. The bell rang again, breaking the silence. This time, it was Aditi Hundia, Ishan's girlfriend, standing at the door with a warm smile.

"Hey guys! I brought dinner. Sorry I'm late; it's almost 1 am." She playfully glared at Ishan. "You didn't even tell me what's going on, dumb boyfriend!"

Ishan apologized, "Sorry, Adi." Aditi set the food before them, but no one made a move to eat. "What's wrong?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Shubman sighed. "We need a lawyer, but we can't find one." Aditi's expression changed. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? My best friend, Evara, is an excellent lawyer."

Ishan's eyes lit up. "Evara! How could I forget?" Abhishek on the other hand, frowned a bit and asked, "konsi Ara?"

Shubman facepalmed himself. "Evara hai uska naam Abhishek! Also Ishan pehle muh mein dahi jamaya tha kya?" He asked sarcastically.  Ishan grinned sheepishly, "hehe sorry... "

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Evara Saxena stood before the mirror, admiring her bold reflection. With a confident smile, she grabbed her purse and stepped out of her bedroom.

In the hallway, her parents' scrutinizing gaze awaited. Evara rolled her eyes, familiar with their disapproval. Her father, Amit Saxena, owner of the luxurious 5-star Saxena Resorts, had always expected her to inherit the family business. But Evara had defied his wishes, choosing law instead.

Her mother, Juliana Saxena, once a supportive figure, now seemed to echo her father's disappointment. The tension between Evara and her parents had grown since her decision.

In contrast, Evara's younger sister, Kriya, was engaged to Kabir Dutta, a union their parents approved. But Evara's own life was complicated. Her parents were forcing her to marry Ruaan Singhania, a childhood friend.

"Evara, Ruaan is perfect for you," Amit Saxena said, his tone firm. "He's successful, and his family is well-connected."

Evara's eyes flashed with defiance. "I won't marry someone I don't love, Father."

Juliana intervened, her voice soothing. "Dear, Ruaan cares for you deeply. He'll provide a secure future."

Evara shook her head. "Security isn't everything, Maa. I want happiness." Kriya, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "Evara didi, maybe—"

"No, Kriya," Evara interrupted. "You understand, don't you? You're marrying Kabir for love, not obligation."

Kriya's expression turned sympathetic, but she remained silent. Evara's determination hardened. She would fight her parents' plans, even if it meant going against tradition.

Evara's parents exchanged a disapproving glance. Amit Saxena's voice turned stern. "You're being foolish, Evara. Ruaan is an excellent match. You'll ruin your future if you refuse."

Evara stood firm, her jaw set. "I won't change my mind, Father." Juliana Saxena stepped forward, her eyes pleading. "Evara, think of the family's reputation. Marrying Ruaan will strengthen our business ties."

Kriya intervened, her voice soft. "Mother, Father, maybe we should listen to Evara's concerns."

Amit Saxena's expression darkened. "You're engaged to Kabir, Kriya. This doesn't concern you." Evara shot Kriya a grateful glance. "Thanks, sis."

The tension hung like a challenge, until Juliana spoke up. "We'll discuss this later, Evara. Your father and I will arrange a meeting with Ruaan's family soon." Evara's heart sank, but she refused to back down.

Evara sat in her room, determined to find a way out. She couldn't marry Ruaan; her heart belonged to her career, not some arranged husband.

"I have a boyfriend!" Evara declared, her voice echoing through the room. Everyone's eyes widened in shock. Juliana's eyebrows arched. "The heck, Eva?"

Evara's eyes flashed. "It's Evara, Mother. Not Eva." Amit Saxena's face darkened. "Who is this boyfriend of yours?"

Evara's smile was defiant. "None of your business, Father." Kriya whispered, "Didi, please..."

Evara continued, her voice firm. "I'm happy in my relationship. He's a successful cricketer, and we're content together. I'd appreciate it if you didn't interfere."

Amit Saxena's face reddened. "I'll ruin his career, Evara Saxena! Mark my words!"

Evara chuckled, waving her hand dismissively. "Blah blah blah, Father. Bye!" She turned and walked away, leaving her stunned family behind.

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Words count - 1166