We both stood in front of the doorway awkwardly and I took in his appearance.

Damp locks of midnight black hair messily rested on his forehead and there was a towel hanging around his lean shoulders over the white t-shirt clinging to his body.  He looked like he had just stepped out of the shower.

" Sorry for coming unannounced."

I broke the silence and his raspy voice immediately replied, " Oh no. Not at all. I just woke up and showered a while ago. Didn't have much going on anyway. "

" Is this bad timing? I shouldn't have disturbed you. "

He opens his mouth to say something but I continue before I lose my nerves, " It's just that we're leaving this island tomorrow and I need to get answers. I wasn't sure I was gonna get time later today. "

His gaze seemed to be filled with disappointment at my statement but it didn't last long and he quickly replaced it with a nonchalant expression.

" Oh, I see. "

" Are you sad I'm leaving? " I jokingly teased him not expecting any serious answer.

" Actually, yes. "

His words surprise me and I blink my eyes at the unexpected response.

" I mean , I won't have anyone to scare at night anymore. Plus who knows what the new tourists renting that bungalow would be like. Ignoring the fact that you and your friend broke into my house , y'all were such nice and calm neighbors. "

I shake my head and smile as that familiar smirk appears on his lips.

" Sure sure. Being the amazing neighbor I am, I brought you some cake. "

He nods in appreciation and takes the bowl of cake I offer towards him.

" My my, you're spoiling me. "

He looks at the half gone letters spelling" Hap" on the piece of cake and turns back at me, " Is this a birthday cake ? Happy birthday! "

It was just a simple sentence but hearing him wishing me fills my stomach with a fluttery feeling.

Trying to fight off the heat creeping up my cheeks, I say, " Thank you. My actual birthday is tomorrow though. But since we're going back home early in the morning my friends decided to celebrate beforehand."

" That's nice of them. Your friends seem like amazing people." A faraway gaze flickers through his pupils as if he is thinking of some distant memory but then it washes away, being replaced with his usual mischievous look. " I'm sorry I didn't know beforehand or else I would've tried preparing some sort of gift. "

I wave my hands in a dismissive gesture. " Areh nah, no need to bother with all those formalities. I'll be happy if you honor me with a copy of your book when it gets published. A signed copy of course. "

A grin etched over his lips as he nodded in affirmative, " That's a promise then. "

" Gosh, why are we talking standing here? Pardon me for being such a bad host . " He says,  shaking his head and motioning for me to walk forward.

" I tried cleaning up the house a little bit. It's not much but I hope it's more breathable now. " He adds and I take in the floors which are free of dust.

The cobwebs still hang from the corners of the walls and the furniture is still covered with dust filled cloth but the air feels fresher.

" Doesn't this ruin your writing environment? "

" The thrilling parts have already been written and now I'm working towards the ending so the dust doesn't hold much importance at this point. "  He informs me as he pushes back a chair on the kitchen island and gestures for me to sit down.

I do as he says and watch as he opens the fridge and takes out a bottle of cold coffee.

He places the glass bottle in front of me along with the bowl of cake I had brought.

" I'm running short on groceries and snacks at the moment so I unfortunately cannot offer you more. But trust me, this coffee will leave you addicted. "

" There's no need for taking so much trouble! And thanks - Flynn." I add the name as a joke, knowing very well that's not his true name.

He blinks in confusion before realization dawns on his face and his lips curl up in a smile. " Right, I'm Flynn."

" You surely are, since you don't wanna tell me your famous name."
I meant it in the sense that he was soon going to be an author, but for some reason my words had an opposite effect and the smile vanished from his face.

He looked away with a distant expression and I started panicking seeing his strange reaction. Had I said something wrong ?

" Everyone thinks it's so great being famous huh?" he started with a gloomy tone.

"No, that's not what I -"

" No it's okay. I know. It's just...everything in life has its pros and cons. Being famous can be really annoying at times. It takes away your privacy and your free will to pursue your dreams sometimes."
He muttered in a low voice laced with regret.

Who exactly was this guy ?

" I agree and you seem to have the experience " I answered and when he didn't reply I just took a sip from the coffee just to do something to avoid the awkwardness in the air. Wait- this coffee was actually really good!

When I looked up and his eyes met mine for a few seconds he finally blinked and wiped his palm over his face in a manner as if to shake away unwanted thoughts, " Right, I'm just practicing for when I'm a globally known author you know."

And just like that the previous strange vibes vanished into thin air and he was back to his joking narcissistic self.

But I couldn't shake the feeling that he was hiding something big.

He picked up the piece of cake I had brought over and took a bite, " Wow, that tastes so good."

I smile at his compliment, " I'm glad you like it. So about those incidents -" I trailed off not knowing how to approach the topic.

He wipes his mouth with a tissue and takes the seat adjacent to me in the kitchen counter.

" I was hoping you wouldn't know and we could just brush aside all these ...but since you're insisting I guess I have to spill the truth." He sighed deeply and ran his fingers through the dark locks falling over his forehead.

Once again I was struck by how attractive he really was. But right now there were far more pressing matters at hand.

He glanced at me from the corner of his eye and I nodded implying for him to go on.

" The first time we came across each other was that rainy day at the bookshop."

I had already figured out he was the same masked guy when I saw that book lying on his bed.

" I was really bored so I went to that store looking for something new to read and that's when I saw you reaching for that book. Coincidentally I was also intrigued by that particular book so I decided to purchase that."

" Right, we have similar tastes in books I guess." I glanced at him and smiled awkwardly, " but that wasn't the only time we crossed paths right?"

He shook his head, " I really hope you will believe me. It was truly all a coincidence. I admit I found you very interesting but I definitely wasn't stalking you or anything. I couldn't do that even if I wanted - which I don't but- ugh I mean I obviously wanted to talk to you at some point but I wasn't in the position to interact with anyone due to certain limitations."
He paused and gulped nervously.

" Yeah due to your secret writing mission huh?" I said in a teasing tone and he laughed.

" Right."

" We're still going with that story?"

"For now." he answered. His expression seemed as if he wanted to elaborate but something seemed to be holding him back.

" And that note. It was also from you, right?" I asked softly, feeling self conscious all of a sudden.

His face turned a bit red and he looked away, " Yeah, I just thought it was really cool that you're a fellow Potter head too. Whenever I see someone with merch from my favorite series I always try to appreciate that . It's a weird habit I guess. But since I couldn't directly talk to you- I gave that note..." He laughed nervously, " I know this was a bit creepy honestly. I regretted my actions after a while but it was too late. I sincerely apologize if I made you feel awkward."

" It's okay ! I actually wanted to thank you." Now it was turn for my cheeks to heat up, " I was feeling particularly gloomy at that moment and your words really made my day. Although the method was kinda creepy, I really appreciate the gesture."

He let out a sigh of relief, " I'm really embarrassed though, trust me I had no ulterior motives. It was purely a 'hey that's a fellow Potterhead let's compliment them' moment."
he lifted his hands and made air quotes with his fingers.

"Don't worry, I believe your words." I grinned at his antics.

"So...you're really going away tomorrow huh?" he asked with a sad smile playing at his lips.

I nodded, " Since we know each other a bit better now, Flynn. I would like to know your real name."

He sat up straight at my words and titled his head, " About that, I really want to tell you but -"

BOOM!

The sound of the door crashing open came from outside.

We stood up with startled expressions as the sound of furniture being shoved aside and boots stomping inside the house filled the air.

From beside me, a hand reached out to grab my arm and slowly but quickly pulled me down.

I looked to my side to see him looking at me with an anxious expression.

My heart was beating like crazy and my nerves seemed to be on fire.

What the hell was happening! Were they burglars ? Who broke down the door.

Before I could say anything he shook his head and put a finger to his lips indicating  me to be quiet.

He seemed to be feeling the same emotions as me as I saw his eyes swimming with fear and worry.

The sound of the boots got louder and we could hear the voices of men whispering to each other.

" Three of you go upstairs and the rest stay stationed outside. We can't take any risks!" An intimidating voice yelled out.

" Oh shit-" came a whisper from beside me and I saw my companion take in a sharp breath.

I tried to sneak a peek around the kitchen Island and the sight that greeted my eyes made my heart drop down a hole.

Men in black had infiltrated the bungalow, each of them armed with snipers and guns.

I quickly withdrew my head as I spotted a pair of boots entering the kitchen and I held my breath in fear.

Was this going to be my end ? I didn't even inform the others before coming here.

The footsteps grew louder and seemed to be heading straight towards our direction.

When I tried looking at the boy beside me, my heart seemed to stop as I saw a bearded man with a gun held in his hand standing behind him.

The armed man looked at me and then at Flynn.

I felt my whole body going cold and my eyes widened in alarm as I tried to warn him about the man standing behind him.

" So we finally found you." The scary man said in his deep voice, " It's time to go back home sir."

Just when I thought we were about to die- wait , sir ? Who's he calling sir ?

Flynn stood up and faced the scary man.

" Oh yeah ? How about no."

Did he have a death wish? Who talks to burglars like that?!

" I'm afraid you have no choice in this matter, Iyaad. I have strict orders from the boss to find and bring you back as soon as possible."
The scary man answered in a calm but strict tone.

What the hell was happening?
Why did they sound like they know each other?

They stared at each other for a few seconds.

" Fine Taj, but first tell your men to drop their weapons and go outside. I need to talk to you." He whispered to the scary man who I now knew as Taj.

Taj nodded and made a swift motion with his arms which made all the remaining uniformed men lower their guns.

He then tilted his head to the side and the men started retreating outside,
" Stay in position around the bungalow." he added.

" Seriously?" Flynn- or was it Iyaad, muttered exasperatedly.

" I don't want to have you escaping again." Taj replied as his mouth formed the tiniest smile in history.

One of the other men was still standing in the kitchen, " You have to come back right now."

Iyaad turned to look at the man with a searing gaze and asked , " Is this a new recruit? Seems like he doesn't understand instructions, or have manners."

Taj glared at the man , " Follow the damn orders."

" But Mr.Pathaan said  -" the man tried to interject but was cut off when he looked at Iyaad's glowering face.

" You really don't know how to follow instructions huh ? You're fired."
At that moment Iyaad seemed to be giving off an aura as if he was a king banishing a peasant to be executed and boy - did he look like a freaking movie character.

The man looked alarmed and stuttered.

Taj clicked his tongue, " You really pissed him off. Off you go now. Unless you want to be sent somewhere worse like jail."

The man immediately scurried outside and I watched the whole scene with surprise.

Did I mention I was still sitting on the kitchen ground , hiding behind Iyaad and observing everything?

Iyaad turned around to look at me and I felt intimidated due to what happened just a few seconds ago.

His eyes softened and he gave me a sheepish smile, " Gosh Yara, I'm so sorry for scaring you. Please get up."

I looked at Taj who seemed to be glowering at me with a scary expression.

Iyaad followed my anxious gaze and swatted Taj on the arm, " Shut it man. You've already ruined everything anyway."

Taj scrunched his eyebrows in protest but kept quiet and stopped glaring at me.

I took this as a cue to stand up but I still felt like a startled,frozen statue.

Iyaad looked at the questions swimming in my eyes and once again started apologizing, " I'm really sorry for the scare. I'm caught off guard myself. I don't know how they found me or why they decided to have such a weird entry."

Taj coughed in the background but Iyaad paid him no attention.

" You know these men,and your name is Iyaad ?" I asked.

He nodded, " These are...well Taj is our family's chief bodyguard."

" You guys have a bodyguard?" The confusion in my words was clear as day.

" It's because...my grandfather might be a little famous." Iyaad spoke and paused, not knowing how to exactly explain his family situation,
" Okay, more than a little famous. You might have heard of the name Pathaan ?"

Then suddenly it all came crashing down. The news on the TV from a few days back. The business tycoon and his family. The picture of that young guy walking away from the paparazzi with his head bent low.

My eyes widened in realization and my lips parted in surprise as I stared at Iyaad with a newfound perspective. It made perfect sense now.

" You're the missing heir!"

☠️

Did any of you guess it already? 🫢

Are you surprised or was it obvious?

I hope the grand reveal lived up to your expectations

So the mystery aspect is more or less done, we still have a few beach vacation chaps left .

After that get ready for billionaire family drama entering the plot along with some new lovable and interesting characters<3

On that note I wanted to thank a very special person @shondeshhh_
For reading this book from the very beginning. Honestly her wonderful comments were the main driving factor which motivated me to keep posting further. I really hope you're enjoying this Apu and once again a massive thank you from the bottom of my heart 💙

On the other hand,  I really didn't want to say this but dear silent readers , leaving a comment or even emojis is very motivating for me. At the least press that star to let me know someone is reading. I would really appreciate that. Otherwise writing this feels very lonely and painful.
I've spent so much time on these after all :(

Even a single act of acknowledgement helps more than you know and inspires me to continue writing with greater enthusiasm! So please consider (: