One fine morning in the Nation's Front News Agency's office, Ruhana is working at her desk. Sorting out paperwork and writing articles has become her regular work these days. It goes without seeing that no investigative project has fallen into her lap.

These days she can't stop herself from complaining to her friends about it whenever she needs them in the cafeteria. That is right. She is now friends with more people than she can count. It is just casual friendship, not the deep bonds that she formed with Samrat and Naina. Speaking of Samrat, the bond between them remains strained. She heard from Naina and others that Samrat had been dying to mend ties between them, yet his actions have defied those goals, at least in her point of view.

"Why am I thinking of that brat again?" Ruhana murmurs under her breath and fends off all personal thoughts and focuses on her work. Today is special in a different way. Abandoned tasks — articles that require polishing are sent her way. So many slacking off journalists. Why doesn't the NF fire them?

Noon is approaching. Just when she considers taking a lunch break, Rita comes over and plops herself in the chair next to her desk.

"That's Naina's chair!" The retort tumbles out of Ruhana's lips. These days everybody visiting her just plops themselves down into Naina's chair instead of wasting their energy, standing around. A worst trait she will have a hard time to control until Naina shows up.

Yes, Naina has been irregular to the office these days. Thanks to her upcoming wedding. And here, one would have thought the daughter of the great journalist Anton Parker would set an example and be workaholic even on her wedding day.

Ruhana shakes her head once more and her eyes focus on the newcomer smiling at her.

"That's Naina's chair," she says calmly. "Stand. Say your piece quickly now. And leave."

Rita smacks her lips in annoyance, rolls her eyes, but stands.

Ruhana wonders why the glam diva herself has put in an appearance. Rita is in her early twenties. She might be a newcomer but has gained popularity quickly. Mainly her interest in gossip making has earned her many fast friends of a similar nature. For an organisation as great as NF, it surprises Ruhana that these kinds of namunas still exist, and get paid for, though the bosses aren't kind to the lot.

"Ruhana." Rita speaks, oblivious to Ruhana's glare.

"Rita, just say your piece and leave already."

Ruhana can't hide her annoyance. Partly because she's overloaded with work, and also because she dreads what's coming. The main gossip around the office these days, when Naina isn't around, is her marriage with Asher. Naturally, not everyone has pleasant words to say. Naina has earned new nicknames such as gold-digger, Ms Invincible, titles derogatory and much worse than Ms Go-getter. As her friend, Ruhana finds it unbearable to hear.

"Chill, Ruhana," says Rita. "It's lunch break, isn't it? Is that why you are annoyed?"

As usual, Rita doesn't deliver her words straight and begins with casual talks. Ruhana thinks and sighs. It's true that these days she is easily annoyed. She has multiple reasons for it. Sometimes she is annoyed for absolutely no reason at all and that annoys her furthermore.

She tries to reason with herself that everybody goes through this phase at one point or another in their lives, yet that does little. She takes a deep breath and looks at Rita.

"Are you calm now, Ruu? Aajkal tum itni gussail ho gayi ho. Everybody fears you, even the bosses."

Ruhana can barely contain her annoyance at these words. Rita continues to smile sweetly, her pale complexion gleams under the influence of artificial lighting and layers of makeup. Ruhana reins in her anger and turns her head away. The last thing she wants is to engage in some third-grade talks with a gossipmonger. More often than not, a calm approach is a better option than choosing violent protests.

"Rita. Agar kuchh kaam nahin hain tumhe mujhse toh, leave. I have a lot of work. Did you just come to say these random, stupid things? Also, don't call me Ruu. Only my friends and dear ones do that. Not my colleagues."

"Of course not." Rita squares her shoulders and straightens her posture. Ruhana understands the girl is ready to speak.

"You know what, Ruhana. I just came to warn you."

"Warn me?" Ruhana raises a brow. Rita nods.

"Yes. Beware of Laila."

"Who is Laila?"

"Ruhana. The right question is who is Laila's Majnu. Yeh poochho na ki Laila ka Majnu kaun hai!"

"Huh. I am not interested in your silly gossip or filmy talks. Leave. I have a lot to do."

Ruhana turns in her swivel chair and faces her computer. Rita realises she extended casual chit-chat beyond limits and apologises.

"Arey suno na, Ruhana. Hear me out, please. This is important."

Ruhana makes a face but still turns to Rita.

"Go on. I'm listening. Sunao."

"Come on, Ruhana. Listen with a smile and thank me later. This is a matter of your interest. At least I think so."

"Ugh. Okay. Spill."

"It's about your friend Samrat."

Samrat and Laila-Majnu? Ruhana cannot make sense of what she is hearing and shakes her head.

"The newcomer Lalita and Samrat, you see," Rita says with a twinkle in her eyes

"Lalita? Is Laila her nickname or what?"

"No. It's her codename. For super secretive, investigative projects, you know. Just like how you are Lady Don and Samrat is Superman."

"Hmm..." Ruhana suppresses a sigh. She's losing patience thanks to this silly rambling of Rita. "If Samrat is Superman, then how is he Majnu? Anyway, it's none of my business."

"You might not know this since you're busy, but Lalitha turned an investigative journalist. Samrat is not exactly an investigative journalist, but our boss has made him Lalitha's mentor. And since then..." Rita trails off, letting the suspense hang in the air.

Ruhana narrows her eyes. Her mind blanks at this new information. While she is not interested in gossip in the office, she is aware of the important things happening at the office. When was Samrat made a mentor? Okay, this might not be important.

"Okay! So what, Rita? Just stop eating my brain and get lost."

"You are so impatient, Ruhana. Pura sun lo na. The talk around the office is that Samrat had turned into Laila's Majnu. At least that's what they call him now that he's paired with Lalita aka Laila. Laila-Majnu ki jodi khoob jach rahi hai. They say Samrat and Lalita are quite the pair. You know, Samrat gets along with everybody. Samrat is cool, but this Delhi girl, Lalita, might have some tricks up her sleeve. I just came to warn you. I just thought you should know this about your friend."

Ruhana sighs. "Thanks, but I was better off without hearing about it. Samrat is not a kid. He can handle Laila or whoever. Still Laila, Majnu? Whoever initiated the talk is stupid. I will report it to the boss."

Though she says this outwardly and turns to her computer, Ruhana is filled with doubts. Samrat is so gullible that he will trust this Laila girl.. What if she takes advantage of that trust and lands into trouble? Just last week, Samrat was duped by his colleague and lost his financial gain for the month. Though Samrat was cool about it, Ruhana thought it was downright stupid.

"That's all I came to say." Rita disappears before Ruhana can say, I don't give a damn about Samrat affairs. Never bug me again...

"Smart girl. But I won't spare her if she does this again." Ruhana murmurs and takes a sip of water from her water bottle. A long day feels like it has only begun.

***

Where is Samrat? He finished working for the magazine photographs and should have plenty of free time on his hands. That is probably why he was chosen to be Lalitha's mentor. Everybody else, the big names are busy with other projects all the other is no major investigative project going on at this moment.

While on a quick break, wandering around the lobby, Ruhana lets her mind wander.

Na jaane Samrat kahan hoga? Mr Majnu they are calling him, huh? Is he with Ms Laila? Ugh, none of my business.

None of her business, yet she cannot help but check on Samrat that evening.

On her way to the photojournalist section on the top floor of the NF building, she sighs to herself once more. Theek kaha tha Rita ne. Rita was right. Samrat gets along with everybody. Only Samrat can accept crazy turn off events. Hells, he has even accepted Naina's romance with Asher!

"Samrat!" Ruhana is almost breathless, arriving at Samrat's desk. Her fault; she climbed the stairs to the fifth floor after a heavy super-delayed lunch. But it felt right when she turned away from the elevator.

Earlier, Samrat's desk used to be next to hers and Naina's. Now it's not. It's a part of the seating arrangement getting revamped in the office, which he didn't mind; neither did she.

But how quickly times change. Samrat always loved to have his seat next to his girl pals, but this time he did not protest; it's almost as if to say he is no longer overprotective. But who can be sure?

Does this mean his attitude has changed? Ruhana does not know for sure. Her eyes find Samrat is at his desk.

The photojournalist department is usually spacious, pin boards featuring various photographs and related articles etc. Gleaming panelled LEDs give it a vibe of a gaming hub. Desks are scattered around with chairs and shelves full of camera gear and bags and other stuff belonging to the photojournalists.

Samrat looks at Ruhana, surprised at her sudden appearance, but other than that, he can't utter a word. He has been brainstorming various ideas to bridge the distance between them, yet he always fumbles when coming to execute them. Mostly because he's always messing up things further.

"Ru... Ruhana."

He stutters and snacks himself on the head mentally. He exhales softly and regains some confidence. Putting his camera aside, he rises from his chair. "Hi. Do you need me for anything?"

Ruhana rolls her eyes and skips pleasantries. Samrat waits with a bated breath, wondering why she came. She sometimes visits him and it is mostly for official duty. This time she does not have any office paper in her hand, so he's clueless. Did she come to say casual hello like in the old days? Just the thought makes him smile.

Ruhana folds her arms and looks around. It's already 7:00 p.m. and the other photojournalists have already left the office. Only Samrat is there, checking his camera roll.

"Oi, Mr Majnu. Why are you still here when everybody has already left?"

Samrat does a double take at his surroundings. Looking at Ruhana, he slowly speaks.

"Mr Majnu? Kaun, main? Are you talking to me?"

"Who else?" Ruhana crosses her arms and sharpens her gaze. "You are Mr Majnu, aren't you? Ever since you have become Ms Laila's mentor, everybody has been calling you that. I thought by now you should be used to it. Am I wrong?"

Samrat scratches his neck and shakes his head. "Acha. I didn't know, honestly. It is a really weird nickname... Ah, I thought that Lalita's codename was equally weird. But it seems she chose it because it would be a name inapt for an investigative journalist and doesn't harbour suspicion while using it in the field."

Ruhana sighs. Did Lalita tell you that? You are so impulsive, Sam. Overprotective and stubborn. Yet... you are so gullible sometimes. Ruhana takes a deep breath to calm her thoughts. Her heart almost melted at the sincerity in Samrat's tone. And secretly, she is relieved at the casual way Samrat addressed Laila. Why is she relieved? Is it because no matter how hard one tries, old feelings linger? Because love is a hard emotion that can't be easily erased?

Why am I thinking this way? Softly chastising herself, Ruhana looks at Samrat. She has come seeking him for a different purpose. An important purpose, actually. But her initial words have derailed the intended conversation a bit.

Samrat is now speaking mostly to himself, deeply frowning and smiling in between. "Majnu, huh? I don't think I want to be called Majnu in any sense. Because Majnu had a love failure. Mera love failure toh nahi ho sakta. My love should not end in a failure... I can't let that happen."

Ruhana's heart skips a beat, hearing his faint mumbles. But she shakes off her feelings. With a serious look in her eyes, she clears her throat.

"Samrat. I came here to talk about something important. Hear me out. Are you free at the moment?"

Samrat nods. "Sure. Is it about work?"

"No. But it's important. It involves Naina."

Samrat takes his seat and points to a spare chair for Ruhana to sit. Once they are seated, he begins, eyes all alert and tone stuff.

"Naina... is she okay?"

"Yes." Ruhana puffs a soft exhale. "She is okay."

"Phew!" Samrat sighs out of relief and stops Ruhana before she can speak more.

"Ruu, if you want to talk about Naina, yeh toh personal baat hui na. Let's go to a cafe for any personal talks. We should not discuss it in the office."

"Acha?" Ruhana narrows her eyes and suppresses a smile. She still doesn't know why. Samrat manages to make her smile in weird ways. As always. "Why, I see nobody around. So we can discuss. Besides, I won't go to any cafe with you... even if it is about Naina. So stop your desperate attempts to woo me."

Samrat half sighs, half laughs. Ruhana is harsh with him as usual..but he can't help but think the passage of time has softened her a bit. Just a bit. How much more time before their ties are completely mended?

"Well, I can wait... Maybe I will wait for a lifetime. Just don't pick anyone else... My heart would break. Don't think I can go on living then..."

"Huh? What are you blabbering to yourself?" Though Ruhana strains her ears, this time she cannot hear Samrat whispering to himself.

Samrat laughs. "Nothing."

Ruhana purses her lips, not wanting to say anything illogical like what she just said now. Samrat is trying to woo her? Nope. He's not even trying to contact her these days. Though she's the one who forbade him, it still smarts.

In the small silence that develops, Samrat gauzes Ruhana's reaction. The whole NF knows him as a cheerful guy. Even when disappointment hits him hard, he tries to be optimistic. But he can't help but think now — is he that unloveable? Can't Ruhana forgive him to at least be a casual friend? This has been going on for a long time now that he's slightly exhausted.

He shakes his feelings off and signals to Ruhana to speak.

"You said it involves Naina. What is it?"

Ruhana looks into his eyes. Samrat is taken aback, drawn to her soulful gaze. Those eyes of hers have always been beautiful to him, even when they are filled with anger. Like now. They are radiating agitation. Why is she agitated? What can he do to soothe her? If only she finds peace...

"Don't you find it strange, Samrat? Naina and Asher! They truly are a strange couple."

Samrat narrows his eyes. "What is strange about it?"

Ruhana sighs. "Everything. Their star-crossed romance. Now marriage! It all seems like a sham to me. How can you agree to this marriage? Kaun hai yeh Asher! We know nothing about him. The CEO of such a huge company... billionaire guy, why would he be interested in Nain? And let's not forget what happened at the beginning of Project Zohra! Asher kidnapped Nain, didn't he?"

Samrat falls silent for a moment and then slowly nods his head in understanding. Ruhana is grateful that he listened with patience. These things about Nain and Asher, the kind of agitation weighing on her chest, she can't share with anyone else.

"I know...." Samrat slowly mumbling these words, and thinking about what she said, only reaffirms her earlier thoughts. Samrat isn't immature anymore. Of course, this doesn't mean she has forgiven him. She looks at Samrat expectantly.

"Sochte hi rahoge ya kuch bologe bhi, Sam. What are you thinking? A penny for your thoughts."

"Uh... Ruu, I was thinking... Yes, Naina and Asher started off on a wrong foot. And love... love just happens when it should happen."

"Sam! I can't believe I thought you were going to say something rational after all that thinking! Now who is watching romance movies, you or Nain?"

"Huh. We all watch movies together so maybe they might have had some influence on me. Besides, I know what love is ... so..."

Ruhana sighs. Samrat looks away. The silence between them is awkward. Ruhana is determined to brush it off and say her piece.

"Sam, it's time you come out of any movie influence and think rationally. Use your brain. You're a journalist!"

"Yeah. I am. I'm flexible. Just say whatever you want to say, Ruu. Try me."

"I..." Ruhana pulls out a folder from her bag. "I did some research about Asher. And his sidekick Zain. Zain Abbas. Do you know how hard it is to find any credible information about them? The number of times I hit a blank wall, I think they are hiding a lot. What if they are hiding something sinister and Naina is not even aware of it? I trust Naina's capabilities, but... love can blind anyone. I don't want her to make a mistake. I didn't forget how she cried that night when the rumours about Asher's affair with the actress played on TV."

Ruhana hangs her head, suddenly afraid. She has been telling herself she's doing this for her dear friend. This is what Naina's parents would do, but... is it wrong?

"Ah, I know. Perhaps I should quit it." Ruhana suddenly turns around, returning the folder to her bag. "Forget I said anything. I guess I played villainess until now. Who am I to stop Naina in her pursuit of love and happiness—"

"Ruu, wait!" Samrat holds her arm. Then quickly releases it, apologising. He curls his fist. He never thought the day would come when he'd apologise for a casual touch. But here it is. He can't offend Ruhana.

"Ruu, you're not wrong. I had my doubts about Asher too. And about Nain. Remember, she didn't say a word about her stay with Asher and co? We never knew what happened with her and Asher."

Ruhana can't believe what she heard and her eyes widen. An exasperated smile appears on Samrat's lips.

"Believe me. I felt like asking her, but I chose to trust her."

"I trust her too." Ruhana says, "but I just want to make sure."

"I understand." Samrat bobs his head and points to Ruhana's bag. "What's in that file?"

Ruhana pulls out the file and hands it to Samrat, who begins to flip through it.

"The file has information about Asher and Zain that I have collected. I could only find little about their schooling and college lives. They were both brilliant students. But it's still strange that they could start a company like Gigabit on a large scale."

"Right. But Ruu, this is an era where entrepreneurs make it big with right decision making and investments."

"I know that. I just... want to know everything. I guess I'm being paranoid."

"It's okay. I want to know too. What else did you find?"

"I heard in the back market, particularly from Asher's rivals, that he has some mafia backing him. It's purely speculation at this point so I'm not sure. But it makes me want to investigate. I'd be happy for Nain if it would turn out negative publicity. It happens a lot to even genuine entrepreneurs."

"Let's hope and pray."

"Yeah. But Sam, I can't let go of this feeling. I have to know everything about Asher before I can accept our Nain's marriage to him. I know he's not an entirely bad guy, but... he's so mysterious." Ruhana hangs her head again. In her heart there's this constant desire to explore the truth, but she's also afraid of what would be the outcome of it and what Naina would think.

"You're not wrong to feel like this, Ruu. I'm sure Nain understands. It's why she's desperate to seek your content. I'm sure from heaven, Uncle Anton is praising you for your efforts — all to make sure his daughter found a right match. Ruu, I say this with all my heart, you're amazing. You're an amazing friend to Nain. So don't doubt yourself."

Samrat pats her head soothingly. The gesture and his words warm Ruhana's heart. She lifts her head and smiles at him. After what feels like ages, they are both exchanging smiles and conversing without fighting. While Ruhana doesn't know what to think, Samrat is related and hopefully for their future.

"Honestly, Sam." Ruhana says, composing herself and putting some distance between her and Samrat. "I'd have loved to hear this truth from Naina herself. But she only told us half truths. Asher says nothing. And Boss, he also won't tell us how the Zohra project ended. So..."

"I'm with you. Let's find out the whole truth, Ruu. We deserve to know it as Project Zohra members and Naina's best friends." Samrat says with a resolute gaze. Ruhana can't help but find him charming. Momentarily taken aback by her own feelings of adoration, she chuckles and looks away.

When she looks at him again, she's the Lady Don most others know in the NF. Samrat nods in her direction and they shake hands. Starting today, their private investigation begins a project they will call "Project Asher."

"Just so you know..." Ruhana says as they involuntarily step out of the office together, the conversation marking the end of their workday. "I only sought you because you're Naina's mutual best friend. And... because I can't partner with anybody else for Project Asher."

"Haha. Ruu..." Samrat laughs and takes no offense at what he hears. He's too thrilled with this sudden opportunity. Who knows, maybe now he can finally win over Ruhana's heart? Happy beyond limits at the prospect, he whistles a cheerful song under his breath.

Ruhana is boggled by his cherry attitude but still nudges him toward the parking lot where his car is. "Zyada na udo. Take care. See you tomorrow."

Samrat looks at her receding back as she turns away. Ruhana is travelling by the metro, isn't she? "Ah," he sighs and brushes his bangs. "Tum saath ho toh kaise na udoon?" He thinks to himself, recollecting her earlier words. I truly love you, Ruhana. I hope one day you will know this and forgive me... I'm waiting for that day, you know...

***

In the Zohra HQ, the atmosphere is as gloomy as the moonless skies above. Singh Saab is surprised to find Ash's Abbu. Upon Singh Saab's inquiry, Abbu reveals he's looking for Ash.

"I may have said something that hurt him. Afraid that Badshah might ruin his future, I..."

Singh Saab sighs. "I told you not to overthink! And where is Ash? I didn't see him at dinner."

Eijaz and Zain arrive and are flabbergasted hearing those words. "We didn't either." They say in unison, "we are looking for him and have arrived here."

"His phone isn't reachable," says Zain. "Oh, he's calling me. Nothing to worry about. I will check on him."

With his smartphone pressed against his ear, Zain walks out of the davakhana. Eijaz stays back with Abbu, hearing the latter's heavy sighs. Singh Saab advises Abbu to reconcile with Ash.

A plan forms in Eijaz's mind, which he wants to share with Zain. He's sure soon the ties between Abbu and Asher will be stronger than before. Just as the bonds between the entire Zohra will.

***

TBC.

an: happy sankranthi.  finally an update.  I will be updating this every Sunday starting 19 Jan or 26 jan... and finish this story.

rusam story will also be blended into this story as that was the case in zohra. the other separate sequel planned will be a what-if story I will write later.
I'm truly sorry for being so late to update this. now I will surely keep up with regular updates.

ruvineet_ hope u liked this part dear love ya xoxo❤️💫
Celine ruth_ tysm for your support dear. it's precious
Lots of love ❤️💫

all right see you soon. unedited chapter which I will edit later. please excuse any mistakes