The morning sun streamed through the large windows of the Shergill mansion, casting a warm glow across the spacious kitchen. Drishti stood at the counter, pouring herself a steaming cup of coffee, savoring the rich aroma that filled the air. She glanced around, the place still quiet, with only the soft hum of the refrigerator breaking the stillness.

Just then, Rakshit strode in, his hair tousled from sleep and a hint of stubble lining his jaw. He squinted against the bright sunlight and groaned, “Why does the morning come so early? It’s too bright in here. Can’t we have a little darkness for a while longer?”

Drishti smirked, turning to face him with a teasing grin. “Oh, come on, Mr. CEO. Can’t handle a little sunlight? It’s not like you’re a vampire or anything.”

Rakshit narrowed his eyes, moving to pour himself a cup of coffee. “I might as well be with how much I’ve been working. Besides, vampires have more fun.”

Drishti leaned against the counter, crossing her arms, a playful glint in her eyes. “Is that so? I’d hate to see what kind of ‘fun’ you get up to at night, then.”

“Better than this ‘fun’ of waking up to you” Rakshit shot back, his lips twitching into a reluctant smile.

“Aw, is someone feeling grumpy because they missed their beauty sleep?” Drishti teased, taking a sip of her coffee, enjoying the banter.

“I’m grumpy because I’m forced to deal with you so early in the morning,” he replied, his tone light. “It’s like being tortured with sarcasm before I even get my caffeine fix.”

Drishti chuckled, shaking her head. “Well, if you need a caffeine fix to handle me, maybe you should reconsider your life choices.”

“Touché” Rakshit admitted, taking a sip of his coffee and letting out a satisfied sigh. “This is actually decent coffee. I might keep you around just for this.”

“Wow, I must be doing something right!” Drishti laughed, a bright smile lighting up her face. “Maybe I should add ‘professional coffee brewer’ to my resume.”

“Just make sure to include ‘sarcasm specialist’ as well,” he quipped back, the easy banter flowing between them.

As they both settled down at the dining table in the living room, the moment felt almost serene. But Drishti, ever the determined one, knew their peace wouldn’t last. “So, about the investigation…” she began, glancing down at the scattered files and photos they’d been reviewing.

Rakshit raised an eyebrow, cutting her off. “Can’t we have a few more minutes of pleasant morning vibes before diving into the chaos of our lives?”

Drishti sighed dramatically, leaning back in her chair. “Fine, a few more minutes. But you’re going to regret putting this off. I can feel the killer lurking behind us like a bad horror movie.”

Rakshit chuckled, shaking his head at her dramatic flair. “Well, if they’re lurking, at least let them enjoy the coffee first. It’s the least we can do before we unleash hell.”

Just then, Akshit and Divya entered the dining room, laughter trailing behind them as they joined the couple at the table. Divya looked vibrant in a casual yet stylish outfit, while Akshit wore his signature charming smile.

“Good morning, everyone!” Akshit called out, plopping down in a chair next to Rakshit. “Hope we didn’t miss the good stuff!”

“Not yet” Rakshit replied, leaning back and gesturing to the breakfast spread. “But you’re just in time for some serious conversations.”

“Are we discussing plans for world domination?” Divya quipped, grabbing a pancake from the stack. “Because I’m totally in.”

Drishti’s expression turned serious as she leaned forward, intertwining her fingers. “Actually, it’s about the investigation into my mother’s murder.”

Divya’s laughter faded as she exchanged a concerned glance with Akshit. “Wait, what? We had no idea there was an investigation. What’s going on?”

They knew about her mother's death, but they didn't knew how she died or it was a murder.

Akshit’s brow furrowed with concern as he turned to Rakshit. “You didn’t tell us?”

“I thought it was best to keep you out of it for now” Rakshit admitted, his expression turning serious. “But we’re all in this together. You deserve to know the truth. It was not an accidental death. It was a pre planned murder.”

Drishti nodded, her heart racing as she prepared to share the details. “I found some clues that pointed to someone in the Shergill family being involved. It led us down a rabbit hole of deception.”

Akshit leaned in closer, his attention fully on Drishti. “What kind of clues?”

Drishti took a deep breath, recalling the evidence she and Rakshit had painstakingly pieced together. “There was a locket I found that belonged to my mother, along with journal entries and files that suggested there’s more to the story than we thought. The killer is still out there, and we’re determined to catch them.”

Divya’s eyes widened in shock. “This is… so much to take in. But we’re here for you, Drishti. We’ll help however we can.”

Akshit nodded firmly. “Absolutely. Whoever did this needs to pay. We’ll figure this out together.”

Drishti felt a surge of gratitude wash over her. “Thank you. It means a lot to have your support.”

Just as the moment lingered between them, the sudden roar of an engine echoed from outside, followed by screeching tires that broke through their lighthearted banter. Both turned toward the window, frowning in unison.

“What the hell is that?” Rakshit muttered, his expression shifting from relaxed to mildly irritated.

Drishti shrugged, glancing back at him. “Looks like your plans for a peaceful morning are about to get interrupted.”

“Great” he sighed, rolling his eyes as he headed toward the door. “Just what I needed.”

Before he could finish his thought, the front door burst open with a dramatic flair, and in swaggered Yash Singhania. Dressed in a sharp navy suit that clung to his frame, he radiated charisma. His tousled dark hair framed a handsome face, and his piercing blue eyes sparkled with mischief as he pushed his sunglasses to the top of his head.

Yash Singhania stands at an impressive height of about 6 feet, with a well-built physique that exudes confidence and charisma. Yash was the leading businessman in the technology industry, known for his sharp mind and innovative ideas that consistently kept his company at the forefront of the market. His dark, tousled hair has a slight wave, often styled with a carefree flair that hints at his playful personality. He possesses striking blue eyes that sparkle with mischief and intelligence, capable of drawing anyone in with their magnetic charm. The intensity of his gaze contrasts with the light-heartedness of his demeanor, making him both approachable and intriguing.

His jawline is sharp, accentuated by a well-groomed stubble that adds to his rugged handsomeness. Yash’s smile is one of his most defining features—a broad, infectious grin that lights up his face and reveals a set of perfect white teeth. He has a knack for making people feel at ease with his playful banter and flirtatious comments, often delivered with a twinkle in his eye.

Yash's fashion sense reflects his status as a leading businessman in the technology industry. He prefers tailored suits that fit him perfectly, often opting for bold colors like navy or charcoal gray that highlight his athletic build. His outfits are complemented by crisp, white dress shirts and vibrant ties or pocket squares, showcasing his attention to detail and flair for style.

Despite his sophisticated appearance, Yash possesses a playful spirit. He carries an air of mischief wherever he goes, often using humor as a way to connect with others. He has a reputation for being charming yet a bit of a troublemaker, frequently pushing boundaries with his antics. However, beneath the playful exterior lies a sharp mind and a strong sense of loyalty to his friends.

His reputation for excellence had earned him respect and camaraderie among peers, including Rakshit Shergill. Their relationship was a complex blend of friendship and playful rivalry, marked by banter and occasional disagreements that kept their dynamic lively.

So, when Rakshit reached out for a personal favor, Yash found it difficult to decline. He could hear the urgency in Rakshit's voice, hinting at something significant. Despite their lighthearted jabs at each other, Yash felt a genuine sense of loyalty to his friend. He knew that Rakshit wouldn’t call unless it was truly important, and that thought alone compelled him to accept the invitation, curious about what was unfolding behind the scenes.

Yash’s confidence and charisma make him the life of any gathering, and his ability to blend humor with seriousness allows him to navigate various social situations effortlessly. Whether he's solving business challenges or cracking jokes, Yash is always the center of attention, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he meets.

As Yash stepped into the room, he flashed his trademark grin, a mischievous spark in his eyes. He raised his arms dramatically and declared “Baharo, phool barsao! Tumhara mehboob aaya hai!”

He stepped in further, the atmosphere suddenly lightened up by his presence.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” Yash announced, his voice booming with exaggerated enthusiasm. “The hero you never knew you needed has arrived!”

Drishti blinked in surprise, unsure if she should be amused or annoyed. Rakshit groaned, covering his face with a hand. “Ugh not you! Why do you always have to make an entrance like you’re in a movie, Yash?”

Yash ignored Rakshit’s comment, striding toward the dining table with an air of confidence. “Ah, the scent of coffee! My morning elixir!” He plucked a donut from a nearby box, tossing it into the air and catching it with one hand. “And don’t tell me you haven’t missed me, Rakshit. I mean, who else could brighten your dreary mornings?”

“Dreary? I was enjoying a peaceful moment before your circus act” Rakshit replied dryly.

“Peaceful? You were just drowning in coffee and sarcasm” Yash quipped, taking a bite of the donut, grinning at Drishti. “And who might this lovely lady be? The queen of sarcasm herself?”

Drishti crossed her arms, trying to maintain her composure. “I’m Drishti. And you must be the infamous Yash Singhania everyone keeps talking about.”

“Infamous? Now that’s a title I can work with!” Yash winked, leaning casually against the counter. “Pleasure to meet you, Drishti. And may I say, you’ve got quite the talent for handling grumpy CEOs.”

Drishti couldn’t help but smile at his charm. “It’s a tough job, but someone has to keep him in check.”

“Who’s this?” Akshit asked, raising an eyebrow as he crossed his arms.

“Ah, the dashing Akshit! I’ve heard so much about you” Yash said with a dramatic flourish, extending a hand. “The man who has successfully managed to befriend a man like Rakshit without losing his sanity!”

Divya couldn’t hide her amusement as she looked between the three men. “And who might you be?”

“Yash Singhania, your new favorite person” he declared, puffing out his chest playfully. “And yes, I come with a side of charm and a sprinkle of trouble. Are you ready for an adventure?”

Divya laughed, clearly entertained. “I’m not sure if we need more trouble around here.”

“Oh, come on!” Yash said, feigning innocence. “Trouble is my middle name. Besides, I heard there’s a mystery to solve! And I just happen to be an expert in chaos.”

Rakshit interrupted, his voice laced with irritation. “And I’m sure you’ll create plenty of it. Can we focus on the actual reason we’re here, Yash?”

“Always the buzzkill” Yash muttered, but he grinned at Rakshit. “Alright, alright. But I’ll need donuts for brain fuel. Can’t solve crimes on an empty stomach!”

Yash clapped Rakshit at the back, nearly knocking him off balance. "The plan is to catch the killer I suppose!"

Rakshit grumbled, "If we don't die from your theatrics first."

As the playful tension filled the room, Drishti exchanged glances with Rakshit and Akshit, who both looked equally annoyed and amused by Yash’s antics. Little did they know that his lively spirit would soon lead them down a path of laughter and unexpected teamwork in their quest to uncover the truth.

STUDY ROOM

The afternoon sun poured through the large windows of the Shergill mansion, illuminating the room where Drishti, Rakshit, Akshit, and Divya gathered. The table was strewn with files, photographs, and notes, creating a chaotic landscape that mirrored their tumultuous quest for the truth.

Drishti leaned back in her chair, glancing at the disarray before her. “So, where do we start? It feels like we’re missing a significant piece” she said, frustration evident in her tone.

“Maybe we need a fresh perspective” Akshit suggested, running a hand through his hair, a gesture he always made when he was deep in thought. “What about revisiting the original evidence?”

Rakshit, seated beside Drishti, nodded in agreement. “We need to analyze the relationships and motives. There are people connected to this case we haven’t really discussed.”

Divya, eager to contribute, interjected, “What about the family connections? We can dig deeper into who was present during key events.”

Just then, the front door swung open, and in strolled Yash, oozing charisma and confidence.

“Good afternoon, detectives!” Yash announced with a theatrical flourish, tossing his sunglasses onto the nearby couch as if it were a red carpet.

Drishti couldn’t help but smirk. “What brings you here? Did you run out of people to annoy?”

Yash grinned, undeterred by her teasing. “I came to rescue you from the drudgery of this investigation. But it looks like you’re already knee-deep in chaos. Mind if I join?”

“Not that you’re needed, but sure” Rakshit replied, rolling his eyes. “Just try not to make things worse, okay?”

“Worse? I’m here to improve your lives!” Yash shot back, leaning against the wall with an exaggerated casualness. “Let’s crack this case wide open! What’s the scoop?”

Drishti glanced at Rakshit, who shot Yash a pointed glare. “We’re just going over the old evidence. It feels like we’re missing something critical.”

“Ah, the classic mystery trope!” Yash exclaimed, winking at Drishti. “Don’t worry, I have a knack for seeing the unseen.”

Divya raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you mean?”

“Let me demonstrate” Yash said, strolling over to the coffee table and picking up a photograph of Drishti’s mother, smiling radiantly at a family gathering. “For instance, what do you notice about this photo?”

“Uh, that it’s a picture of Drishti’s mom?” Akshit replied, scratching his head.

“No, look closer.” Yash leaned in, drawing everyone’s attention to the background. “See that figure in the corner? The one in the dark? It looks like they’re watching her.”

Drishti squinted at the photograph, a knot tightening in her stomach. “I’ve never noticed that before. Who is that?”

“Exactly!” Yash exclaimed, bouncing on his heels. “We need to find out who that person is. It could be a potential suspect.”

Rakshit sighed, folding his arms. “Or it could be just someone who happened to be in the frame. Let’s not jump to conclusions.”

“Jealous much, Rakshit?” Yash teased, a smirk dancing on his lips. “Relax! I’m just here to help.”

Drishti shot Rakshit a playful look. “Maybe Yash has a point. We need to explore every angle we can.”

“Fine” Rakshit relented, though the annoyance lingered in his eyes. “Let’s figure out who this person is.”

They all huddled around the photo, discussing possibilities. Yash, with his quick wit and charm, kept the mood light. He made exaggerated gestures and delivered comical quips, which led to a mixture of laughter and eye-rolls. But amidst the banter, the tension between Rakshit and Yash grew palpable, especially as Yash leaned in closer to Drishti, eliciting an involuntary scowl from Rakshit.

“Alright, let’s split up the tasks” Drishti suggested, eager to maintain focus. “Yash, you and I can head to the event location where this photo was taken. Akshit and Divya, you can dig into the family connections and see if anyone recognizes the figure in the background.”

“Sounds like a plan!” Yash said, shooting Drishti an approving grin. “I knew you’d come around.”

Akshit rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his smile. “Let’s hope your charm helps us find the killer instead of getting us sidetracked.”

“Charm? Please!” Yash scoffed, feigning offense. “I’m just a beacon of knowledge and good looks.”

Divya giggled, shaking her head. “You really do have a high opinion of yourself.”

“Of course I do. Someone has to!” Yash replied with a wink, causing Drishti to stifle a laugh.

As the group prepared to leave, Rakshit pulled Drishti aside, his expression serious. “Stay focused. Don’t let him distract you.”

Drishti raised an eyebrow. “Are you worried about me or Yash?”

“Both” Rakshit admitted, crossing his arms protectively.

“Relax, I can handle myself,” she reassured him, smirking. “Besides, he’s not my type.”

“Good to know” Rakshit replied, his voice low, but the edge of jealousy still lingered.

With their tasks set, the group separated. Drishti and Yash headed toward the venue of the event captured in the photograph, their banter echoing through the car. The drive was filled with playful jabs, each word sparking laughter and excitement, but the underlying tension of the investigation remained ever-present.

EVENT LOCATION

At the event location, Drishti felt a rush of emotions. The grand hall where the photo was taken stood in stark contrast to the dark secrets they were chasing. “It’s beautiful,” she remarked, gazing at the ornate decorations.

Yash, standing beside her, nodded. “And the perfect backdrop for a sinister plot. Let’s dig deeper.”

They approached a few staff members, asking questions about the event. Yash took the lead, employing his charm to coax information out of them, while Drishti observed carefully, piecing together clues. As they gathered names and potential leads, the playful atmosphere began to fade, replaced by the urgency of their mission.

“I think we’re onto something” Drishti said, her eyes sparkling with determination as she connected the dots. “If we can find this person, we might uncover the truth.”

Yash grinned, his excitement contagious. “Now that’s the spirit! We’ll catch this killer before you know it.”

As they exchanged ideas, laughter bubbled up between them, yet the thrill of the investigation loomed overhead like a storm cloud, reminding them of the stakes involved. In that moment, amidst the shared laughter and camaraderie, they felt a connection deepening—one forged in the crucible of danger and discovery.

MANSION

Back at the mansion, Akshit and Divya were busy poring over family connections, diving into the intricacies of their histories. They were engrossed in a heated discussion, their voices rising and falling as they flipped through files and pictures.

“Look at this” Akshit said, pointing at a family tree. “If we trace the connections, we might find someone who was close enough to Drishti’s mother.”

Divya leaned closer, studying the document. “What if this person had something to gain from her death?”

As they pieced together the past, their determination ignited a spark in the room. Their teamwork felt electric, each new lead fueling their resolve to uncover the truth. Yet, beneath the seriousness, there was a playful banter simmering, with Akshit teasing Divya about her intense focus and her rebuttals growing more playful by the minute.

The sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the spacious living room of the Shergill mansion. Akshit and Divya along with Rakshit were determined to find a clue. Each piece of evidence represented a fragmented piece of the larger puzzle they were determined to solve.

As evening descended, Drishti and Yash returned to the mansion, their faces lit with the excitement of their findings. They burst into the living room, where Akshit and Divya were still engrossed in their research.

“Guess what?” Drishti announced, beaming. “We found a potential lead!”

“Wow, look at you two, all smiles and joy!” Yash said, feigning exaggerated surprise. “Did you finally crack the case or just share too many donuts?”

Divya shot him a playful glare. “No donuts, just dedication.”

Rakshit entered just then, his brows furrowed in curiosity. “What did I miss?”

“Only the birth of our investigative genius!” Yash proclaimed, wrapping an arm around Drishti’s shoulders. “We’re on the right track, my friend!”

Rakshit’s jaw tightened, jealousy creeping in again as he pulled Drishti away slightly. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Yash. We need to verify this lead first.”

“Always the realist, aren’t you?” Yash shot back, unperturbed. “But let’s face it: without me, you’d be lost in a sea of paperwork.”

“Or stuck in an endless cycle of flirting” Rakshit added, annoyance creeping into his voice.

“Flirting? Please, I’m just charming everyone around me” Yash replied, his grin widening.

Drishti couldn’t help but laugh at the banter, feeling the lightness in the air. Yet, she sensed the tension simmering beneath the surface between Rakshit and Yash, a rivalry intensified by the stakes of their investigation.

“Alright, everyone,” she said, trying to regain focus. “Let’s get serious. What did you guys uncover while we were out?”

Akshit, leaning forward in his chair, spread out several documents on the table. “We’ve been digging through family connections and timelines. It seems that Drishti’s mother had a close relationship with a few key figures in the family that could potentially lead us to the killer. There’s a cousin who’s been unusually quiet since the incident.”

“Interesting” Drishti mused, her brow furrowed in thought. “Who is it?”

“Riya Shergill” Divya answered, flipping through the files. “She was always very attached to your mom. Though she was way younger, they shared a great bond. It’s odd she hasn’t reached out at all during this investigation. Her absence is concerning.”

Drishti’s heart raced. “Riya? I remember her. She was a Shergill? She always had a strange fascination with my mother’s life. Do you think she could be involved?”

“Maybe” Akshit replied, leaning back in his chair. “We need to find out what she was doing on the day of the murder. If she has any alibis or connections to the scene, it could give us something to work with.”

“I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of that” Drishti admitted, her mind racing. “If she was present that day, it changes everything.”

“Then let’s track her down” Yash said, his enthusiasm palpable. “Where does she live?”

“I think she moved back to her parents’ place after the incident,” Divya chimed in. “We can head there first thing tomorrow.”

“Sounds like a plan” Rakshit agreed, though his eyes were still fixed on Yash. “But we should be careful. We don’t know how she’ll react to us asking questions.”

“Yeah, let’s not scare her off” Drishti added, her instincts kicking in. “If she’s innocent, we don’t want her to feel cornered. We need to approach this delicately.”

Yash waved a hand dismissively. “Oh please, we’re professionals now! I’ll charm her into talking.”

Drishti smirked, rolling her eyes. “Right. Because charm has worked so well for you in the past.”

“Hey! I have a 100% success rate with charming the most difficult people” Yash countered, his tone half-serious and half-joking.

“Difficult? Like Rakshit?” Divya teased, and the room erupted in laughter, lightening the atmosphere.

“Very funny” Rakshit grumbled, though a hint of a smile tugged at his lips.

As the laughter subsided, Drishti’s thoughts turned back to the investigation. She leaned forward, her fingers tapping on the table. “We should also think about the other people at the event. If Riya was close to my mother, she could have confided in someone. Maybe they saw something?”

“Good point” Akshit replied. “We should compile a list of all the guests and reach out to them. Maybe they can provide more context about Riya’s behavior or anything unusual they noticed.”

“Let’s do it” Drishti said, feeling a surge of determination. “Every detail counts.”

The group spent the next hour strategizing, dividing tasks, and gathering information. Each suggestion was met with enthusiasm, and the sense of teamwork began to solidify. Laughter flowed easily, punctuated by moments of seriousness as they discussed potential suspects and leads.

Yash’s presence injected a lively energy into the room. His playful jabs at Rakshit, who was trying to maintain a serious demeanor, created a dynamic that kept everyone engaged.

"Anything else we got?" Yash asked with enthusiasm.

Just then, Drishti's fingers brushed against something odd beneath a stack of papers. She pulled it out, revealing a dusty old envelope sealed with a faded wax stamp. “Wait, what’s this?” she asked, her heart racing at the potential discovery.

“Now that’s what I’m talking about!” Yash exclaimed, leaning forward with exaggerated excitement. “The envelope of secrets!”

Rakshit rolled his eyes. “How dramatic can you get, Yash?”

Ignoring him, Drishti carefully opened the envelope, revealing several photographs and a small folded piece of paper. She glanced through the photos, her heart sinking as she recognized one of the images. “This… this is a picture of the locket” she said, showing it to the group. “But it’s different. It has a name engraved on the back.”

“What name?” Akshit asked, peering over her shoulder.

“Ravi Shergill” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. The name sent a jolt through the room as all eyes widened in shock.

“Ravi? That’s… that’s my father” Rakshit stammered, his expression shifting from confusion to concern. “But why would there be a photo of the locket in connection with him?”

Yash leaned closer, his curiosity piqued. “Now we’re getting somewhere! Maybe Uncle Ravi had a secret life—or a secret murder to commit!” He winked dramatically, earning an eye roll from Drishti.

“Focus, Yash. We need to figure out why this locket is significant” she said, flipping the paper over. Her eyes scanned the contents. “There are notes here… a location?”

“Where?” Rakshit asked, leaning forward.

“Near the old Shergill estate” Drishti replied, a mixture of excitement and apprehension in her voice. “It says there’s something hidden there.”

“Wait a minute” Akshit interjected, glancing between Rakshit and Drishti. “Dad went missing when Rakshit bhaiya was only thirteen. What if this is connected to his disappearance?”

Yash raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Now that’s a plot twist I didn’t see coming! A hidden treasure that could lead us to the long-lost father of our brooding CEO!”

Rakshit shot him a glare. “This isn’t a treasure hunt, Yash. This is my family’s past we’re talking about.”

“Sure, but think about the drama! Family secrets, betrayals, the long-lost hero… it’s practically a blockbuster!” Yash continued, unable to suppress his enthusiasm.

Drishti shook her head, trying to focus. “We need to understand what it means.”

“Let’s figure it out together” Divya said, her voice steady. “This is about more than just the murder now. It’s about your family, Rakshit.”

“Agreed. If there’s a chance to uncover what happened to my father, we have to follow this lead” Rakshit said, determination etching his features.

“Alright, team. We have a lead, and we’re not stopping until we find the truth” Rakshit declared, rallying the group. “Let’s get to the old estate and see what secrets it holds.”

“Only if you bring a flashlight—and snacks” Yash added, grinning. “We can’t let a little danger ruin our fun.”

Drishti shook her head, unable to suppress a smile. “As if you’d ever be serious about anything, Yash.”

“Seriousness is overrated” Yash shot back. “Besides, I’m just here to ensure you all have a good time while solving this little mystery of yours.”

“Great. Just what I need. A clown to help me solve a murder” Rakshit muttered, but there was no bite in his words.

“Hey! I take offense to that” Yash protested, a mock look of outrage on his face. “I prefer to think of myself as the life of the party!”

With renewed energy, they gathered the scattered papers, the weight of the mystery feeling a little lighter as Yash’s humor mingled with the gravity of their task. They were no longer just individuals; they were a team ready to uncover the secrets that lay ahead.

AFTER SOMETIME

“Alright, team” Yash said, standing up and stretching. “Tomorrow’s another big day. Let’s get some rest. Drishti, save some of that investigative brilliance for me in the morning, okay?”

“Sure, just don’t trip over your own charm” she replied with a grin, feeling an unexpected sense of camaraderie with him.

As they all prepared to leave, Rakshit lingered behind, watching Drishti and Yash exchange playful banter. A flicker of annoyance crossed his face, though he quickly masked it with indifference. He couldn’t shake off the feeling of jealousy that crept in every time he saw her smile at Yash.

“Hey” Rakshit said, approaching Drishti as the others left the room. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

Drishti turned to him, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “What’s up?”

“About tomorrow” he started, his tone serious. “Just… keep your guard up. Yash is great and all, but he can get carried away. Don’t let him distract you from what’s important.”

She studied his expression, sensing the underlying protectiveness. “I appreciate it, but I can handle myself, Mr. Shergill. Yash might be a distraction, but he also brings fresh ideas to the table.”

“I know” he admitted, running a hand through his hair, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. “It’s just… I don’t want you to get hurt, Mrs. Shergill. We’re getting closer to finding the truth, and that’s what matters right now.”

She felt a flutter in her chest at his concern, a warmth spreading through her. “I understand. We’re all in this together. We’ll figure it out, I promise.”

Rakshit nodded, though his eyes lingered on her face, searching for something deeper. “Just be careful. I don’t want to lose you in this mess.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. Drishti’s heart raced, and she felt an urge to reach out and reassure him, to bridge the gap between them. But before she could say anything, he turned away, leaving her standing there, caught between her emotions and the relentless pursuit of the truth.

NIGHT TIME

After dinner, everyone exchanged goodnights, drifting off to their respective rooms. Yash, with his usual flair, headed to the guest room, leaving behind a trail of playful banter and laughter that echoed through the hallway.

RAKSHIT'S AND DRISHTI'S ROOM

The moon hung low in the night sky, casting a soft glow through the sheer curtains of the bedroom, illuminating the cozy space with a silvery light. Drishti lay sprawled across the bed, her head resting on a mountain of pillows, and a book open beside her, but her attention was elsewhere. She glanced over at Rakshit, who was leaning against the wall, scrolling through his phone, an adorable frown etched on his face.

“Are you always this serious?” she asked, breaking the comfortable silence that enveloped them.

Rakshit looked up, raising an eyebrow as he pushed off from the wall and approached the bed. “I’m not serious; I’m just… assessing the situation.”

Drishti chuckled, propping herself up on one elbow. “Assessing what? How to brood more effectively?”

He smirked, his expression softening as he sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress dipping slightly under his weight. “Brooding is an art form, you know. It requires skill and finesse.”

“Is that so?” she teased, leaning closer, her curiosity piqued. “Maybe you should offer lessons then.”

“Only if you promise to be my first student” he replied, his voice low, a playful challenge glinting in his eyes.

Drishti rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “Great, I can see it now: ‘How to Brood Like a CEO: A Comprehensive Guide.’”

“Hey, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it,” Rakshit said, feigning offense. “It has its perks—mysterious glances, intense stares, and the occasional heart-throbbing moment.”

Drishti feigned consideration, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “I don’t know. It sounds like it could get boring pretty quickly.”

“Oh, really?” He leaned closer, his gaze piercing, their faces mere inches apart. “You think I’m boring?”

“Only when you’re too busy brooding to have fun” she shot back, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

Rakshit’s eyes narrowed slightly, his expression shifting as he leaned even closer. “Is that a challenge?”

“Maybe,” she replied, her breath hitching at the proximity, her heart racing as the tension in the air thickened. “But I’m not scared of your brooding ways.”

He held her gaze, the playful banter fading into something deeper as he moved even closer, their foreheads almost touching. “You should be.”

Before she could respond, he reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers brushing against her skin in a way that sent a shiver down her spine. “What if I told you I could make this night unforgettable?”

“Are you promising a wild adventure?” she teased, fighting the urge to lean in closer, her heart pounding with anticipation.

“More like a wild evening of popcorn and terrible movies, but I promise to make it interesting,” he replied, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

Drishti laughed, breaking the tension momentarily. “You know, I can’t resist popcorn.”

“Then let’s make it a plan,” he said, his gaze lingering on her lips for a heartbeat longer than necessary. “But first, let me show you what I do when I’m not brooding.”

With that, Rakshit suddenly leaned back and grabbed the remote from the bedside table, flicking on the TV. “Now, prepare to be amazed by my top-notch movie choices,” he declared, dramatically scrolling through the options.

Drishti couldn’t help but roll her eyes playfully. “I’ll be the judge of that.”

As he selected a cheesy rom-com, she laughed, the sound bright and carefree. “You really do know how to pick the most cringeworthy films.”

“Hey, it’s a classic! Plus, it’s part of my charm,” he said, a mock-seriousness in his tone.

They settled into the bed, the blanket pulled over their laps, and as the movie began to play, Drishti found herself stealing glances at Rakshit, noting how his focus shifted from the screen to her, a smile creeping onto his face every time she laughed at the ridiculous scenes.

“See? I told you this would be interesting,” he said, glancing over at her.

“Only because I’m here to provide the real entertainment,” she shot back, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Suddenly, a romantic scene played on the screen, and Drishti felt a surge of teasing impulse. “So, Mr. Shergill, when do I get my grand romantic gesture?”

He paused, turning to her with a playful, mock-serious expression. “Oh, you want a grand gesture? How about I throw popcorn at you from across the room?”

“Wow, how romantic” she replied sarcastically, but her smile betrayed her enjoyment.

“Just wait” he said, leaning in closer again, his tone turning slightly serious. “When the time is right, you’ll get the real deal.”

Her heart raced at his words, and before she could respond, the playful mood returned, and she felt the undeniable tension simmering between them, a magnetic pull that made her want to lean in closer, to bridge the gap between them.

As they settled into a comfortable silence, popcorn in hand and laughter echoing softly in the room, Drishti realized that every teasing remark and playful challenge only brought them closer. Each moment was a step toward something more profound, a connection she could no longer ignore.

And as the night deepened, wrapped in warmth and the soft glow of the TV, the playful banter masked a burgeoning intimacy, hinting at the complexity of their relationship and the feelings simmering just below the surface.

They were getting closer to the truth, a revelation which could either solidify their bond or break it apart.