Yo!
You all probably know by now that I can't remain serious or emotional for long & end up using humor. 😂
But I tried to make my fic - To Let You Go... as emotional as possible. Hope I succeeded. 😁

Was a Little late on the update. Making it up with a long one!

Food for thought - will Kriti understand Vivek or misunderstand him? 
What do you think? 😉

Anyways, Onwards!!!

"Words in double quotes" - Talking

'Words in single quotes' - Thoughts

(Words in braces) - Telephone conversation

Chapter 34 - Decisions on Thin Ice

#Next Day#

Police sirens could be heard all around the college when the gang, along with Samay, Sumit and Prasanth, got to the college. They had stayed back the previous night at the Mehra Mansion. As Vivian picked up the newspaper early morning, he saw in bold letters about a death in the college and informed them. They rushed out towards the college as fast as they can.

As they reached there, they found a crowd gathered in the courtyard of the college. There were security tapes all round the center of the area to prevent the civilians from going near the dead body.

"See any familiar faces?" asked Abhi.

"None. Do you?"

"No Shabbir."

"There!" Pragya saw Bulbul standing among the crowd gathered at the place and moved towards her, followed by the rest.

"Bulbul... Bulbul what happened? Who's the person that died?"

Pragya noted that Bulbul looked like a mess. It seemed she had been crying profusely, which could only mean that it was someone she knew. At once, Pragya's blood went cold. "Bulbul, where's Purab? Is it... Is it him?"

Bulbul shook her head. "No, he went home yesterday after visiting our home. I tried to call him, but couldn't reach him, although I don't think he is in any danger. Di it's... It's R-"

"Ria! No, Ria!" screamed Kriti in anguish, once she saw the face of the dead person. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. One of her clossest friend was lying lifeless in front of her eyes. "Ria! No no no! You can't be dead! You just can't be!" she would have fallen down, if it wasn't for Karan holding her.

"Karan...Karan, Vivek. He was in the college when I called. Could something have happened to him?" Kriti asked with worry.

Karan looked around the place. "He isn't here."

"One minute." Prasanth took out his phone and dailed Vivek's number. "I can't reach him. Let me try again." He dialed again.

"Did you get him on the line?" Kriti asked in worry.

"Calm down Kriti. I'm sure he is just fine." Karan tried to console her. However, looking at Prasanth's face, he knew he couldn't reach Vivek's phone.

Prasanth sighed. "I ca-" he paused midway when he saw Karan shake his head at him, signaling towards Kriti. Kriti looked devastated after Ria's death. If he tells her about Vivek, then she would completely lose hope. "Yes. It seems he is somewhere in the market place. I' guessing he's fine." Prasanth lied swiftly.

"I wish we could have said the same for Ria." Kriti looked back at the dead body. She reminisced all the time she spent with Ria, all the fun they had, pranks they did. Overwhelmed by emotions, she crossed the tapes and tried to rush towards Ria's body.

However, an officer held her back. "Listen girl. Public is off limits beyond this line. You can't enter."

"Let her go." spoke Karan with authority.

The officer took one glance at him and abruptly let go of Kriti. She took the chance to run off towards Ria's body, followed by Bulbul and Karan.

"Sir, why did you let them go? The public was off limits." said a junior to the officer.

"Shut up idiot. He's Karan Bhalla. In this city, if you value your job, never refuse the Bhallas anything."

After they left, Sumit turned to Prasanth "You couldn't reach him, could you?"

"No. Vivek's phone is switched off. I think it's best if we start using your tracking skills Samay." When he got no response, he looked to find Samay looking towards the dead, deep in thought. "Samay?"

"This death. My gut tells me that this is somehow related to us. Who else could kill so cleanly, without leaving one clue? They're able to hide their identities like our enemy."

"You think this is their doing bhai?"

"I don't just think so Sumit. I'm sure it's them. We should hurry and find Vivek. He may be in danger as well."

"Then we should leave soon. Let's go."

"I can go with you if you want help."

"It's okay Abhi. We'll handle it. You and Shabbir take care of the situation here."

"Wait! Are you both going to be alright? If they killed Ria, then they won't hesitate to kill you. Do you have to go?" Pragya asked in worry.

"I agree with Pragya. Are you both sure you don't want anyone of us to accompany you?" questioned Shabbir.

"I'm sure bro. We'll be fine, right Sumit?"

"Yep."

Samay turned to Pragya. "Don't worry sis. We deal with these kind of situations almost every other day. We'll be fine."

"But Samay. What if som-"

"Nothing will happen to me Pragya. The only one you need to worry about is your other idiot brother. He is the one who ends up in trouble because of his dumb ideas."

"Hey! They aren't dumb! Don't listen to him Pragya. Bhai is just jealous of me."

"Your life isn't a joke Sumit. Be careful." Aliyah spoke sternly.

"I will be fine Aliyah. We both will. Don't worry, alright?" Sumit gave her an reassuring smile.

However, Aliyah and Pragya didn't look satisfied. Pragya turned to Prasanth. "Prasanth Sir, you will keep then safe, right?"

Prasanth gave them a firm nod. "I'll watch over them and make sure these idiots don't get themselves killed."

"Keep us updated."

"Will do Shabbir." saying that, Prasanth left with Sumit and Samay.

Shabbir turned to look at Pragya. She looked tensed. "Don't worry Pragya. I'm sure they will be fine. The-" before he could complete his sentence, Pragya walked away from them. "Eh? what happened to her?"

"Don't look at us. She's your girlfriend. Go and try to find out what's wrong. What are doing still standing here?" Abhi remarked.

"I'm going. I'm going!"

Abhi looked around the place. 'How did the killer manage to kill Ria without her making any ruckus? Not to mention the courtyard is a place where everyone could see him. This must mean that he killed her somewhere else, and dropped her body here when no one was around.'

"Aliyah, didn't Dad once say he had installed some cameras in the campus?"

Aliyah's eyes widened in realization. "You're right! There should be one in this area as well."

"Great! Let's find it."

#With Pragya and Shabbir#

"Pragya, slow down! Pragya? Pragya!" at last Shabbir was able to get a hold of Pragya. He turned her around to face him. "What's wrong?"

"Everything!"

"Okay! Calm down. I know Ria's death has affected you deeply b-"

"It's not only about her death. It's about all of you!"

Shabbir looked at her confused. "What do you mean Pragya?"

"Ria doesn't have any link with you. But she was friends with me. If what Samay said was true, then it's obvious that the killer was after me. He killed Ria not for the chip, but because of me!"

"What the... You can't blame yourself for what happened to her! You weren't responsible for it!"

"Yes I was! If she didn't become friends with me, she would have still been alive!" Pragya shouted, barely holding back her tears.

Shabbir placed his hands on her shoulders and made her look at him. "So you mean to say, if you knew that she was in danger, you would let her die? You would hand her over to the killer? You would let her die for you?"

"Of course not! I would rather let myself be shot then let anything happen to her! How could you say that? How could you even think of it?!" Pragya asked him in indignation.

"Exactly Pragya. You wouldn't let it happen. That's why I know it isn't your fault. If it was in your hands, you would have done everything to save her. It isn't your fault! That's what I want you to understand."

Pragya looked down in thought. "But it's..." she broke free of his grip and turned away from him. "I just can't help feel that I'm the reason for all of this! Samay and Sumit are working their butts off to protect me. You all are also constantly in danger because of me a-"

"There's also the chip Pragya. It is also the reason."

"That's not the point. The point is that I'm becoming a poison for all of you." She turned to look at him in the eyes. "I think... I think it would be best if I give myself up."

#College courtyard#

Kriti sat there near Ria's body. She was still hoping that this was some sick prank of Ria and she would wake up and scream 'boo!', while laughing at Kriti's face.

"Ria please. Wake up. Wake up Ria."

Karan and Bulbul were beside her. Ria was a good friend of Bulbul as well and to see her lying lifeless hurt her deeply. Karen sat there holding both Bulbul and Kriti. Normally, he would have gotten busy in trying to find how Ria was killed. However, he knew that Bulbul and Kriti needed him to be their support right now. They were his first priority.

"Excuse me." Karan looked up to find a different officer approach them. "We need to know who were the ones she talked to yesterday. You three seem like you knew her well."

"I know her through Bulbul and Kriti. That's it. And as for these two, I don't think this is the right time to question them." spoke Karan with a glare towards the officer. He wouldn't hesitate to be rude if the officer kept troubling them.

"But Sir, we need some information if we want to catch the killer."

"Lis-"

"It's okay Karan. I'll...I'll answer his questions." spoke Bulbul. "Inspector, Kriti had only spoken once to Ria in the morning. Me and my Di were the one who was with her for the next two classes yesterday."

"Ma'am, you and your sister would need to come with us then."

Bulbul nodded and got up. "Let me find my Di."

Once Bulbul left, Karan turned to the officer. "Why aren't Ria's parents here yet?"

"We couldn't contact them as we did not find their numbers anywhere. Even Ria's phone isn't with her."

"She always did have a tendency to leave her phone in the library while reading." spoke Kriti with a nostalgic smile. "Don't worry officer. I will go inform her parents. They deserve to know."

"Kriti, do you want me to go with you?"

"It's okay Karan. Besides, I need some time alone." Karan nodded and watched her go. 'I hope nothing has happened to you Vivek. I don't think Kriti would be able to handle another loss.'

#With Vivek#

Vivek walked with caution as he and Kent entered the abandoned building. They had traveled the night to get there. Once they were inside, several guards surrounded them, none looking friendly.

Vivek saw someone emerge from the shadows. It was his boss. The one who had hired him to kill Pragya. At one time, Vivek would have felt happy to see him. Now, he couldn't help but feel disgusted at him. However, he tried to keep his face from expressing his feelings towards the boss and kept a stoic face.

Vivek and the others didn't know the name of their boss. They only knew him as A. S, which were the letters carved in the locket on the chain around his neck.

A. S. motioned for Kent to leave. Kent nodded and obediently left the place.

"Vivek. Vivek. Vivek. Long time no see kid. How are you?"

"I'm fine boss. I'm here to join the squadron again."

A. S looked at him intently and let out a laugh which echoed throughtout the walls of the room. "What do you take me for? Some dumb rookie? I'm a big player in this game kid and I know all about deceptions."

Vivek's eyes widened as he realized his act has been caught. He felt fear in his heart, not for himself, but for whoever they have kidnapped. He was afraid that he wouldn't be able to save his friend.

However, years of training had taught him how to deal with such situations. He smirked. "No. But I do think you're an overgrown chicken who likes to hide while others do the dirty work for him. Tell me, did you lay any eggs?"

He saw his boss's face turn red in anger. However, he soon composed himself. "Funny. I have to admit Vivek. Standing here in my territory and yet, bad mouthing me. You've got some balls boy."

"Only dogs mark territories. Lions attack alone."

"Hahaha. Bravo kid bravo. You've got the guts, but it isn't going to help you much here."

"Cut the crap. I know you have kidnapped someone from the college. Hand him over." Vivek bit out in anger.

A. S simply chuckled. "Aww... Did little Vivek finally learn to make friends?"

"Where is he?!"

"Watch that tone boy. And why should I answer you? You can't do anything to me."

"Look! Whoever you have kidnapped, I'm sure he has nothing to do with the chip or Pragya. So le-"

"How did you know about the chip? I never told you about it. I only told you to kill the girl."

"That's for me to know and you to find out." Vivek spoke with a smirk.

"Don't play games with me boy. If you want to see Purab alive, you better learn your limits."

Vivek's eyes widened on hearing Purab's name. 'So it's Purab whom they kidnapped. I must get him out, no matter what!'

#With Pragya and Shabbir#

Shabbir couldn't believe the words that he was hearing. "Are... Are you crazy Pragya?! That is like suicide!"

"What else am I supposed to do? Wait for the day each if you are killed like Ria, just because you all are friends with me? I can't watch you all get hurt because of me Shabbir."

"You're being paranoid. Nothing will happen to any of us Pragya. Yes it's true that we failed to protect Ria. But we never expected her to be targeted because of us. Now, we just have to be more careful."

"Can you give me the guarantee Shabbir? Can you really tell me, looking into my eyes, that no one will die in this mess? Do you really think we all will be able to get out alive?"

Shabbir looked down at that. Pragya let out a humorless laugh. "See? Even you know that I'm right. I wa-" before she could complete her sentence, Shabbir pulled her close and made her look directly into his eyes.

"I don't know what you believe, I don't know what the others believe. But I know one thing. You may not be able to see it, but I do see a light at the end of the tunnel. I know that we all will be able to reach it if we all work together. You think your surrender will solve everything, but it won't. It would only break everyone."

Pragya was speechless as she looked into Shabbir's black orbs. It felt as if he was staring right into her soul.

"Listen to me! And listen to me clearly. As long as I'm alive, I won't let any harm come to any of you. The enemy has to go over my dead body to get you all, and I don't plan to die! As for you? If you even think of surrendering, I will personally order a big cupboard for you, lock you inside and throw the keys in the ocean to keep you safe! So don't dare think of doing something suicidal like that. Am I clear?"

Pragya let out a soft smile. Shabbir sounded confident when he said that they will all survive. 'Maybe I should trust him. I see hope through him. I can't let him down. I should try to be his strength, not weakness!' "Crystal clear, Shabbir."

"That was so romantic. You two make such a great couple." spoke a female voice. Pragya and Shabbir looked up to find Aliyah and Abhi standing there.

"Since when have you two been standing there?" Shabbir asked, narrowing his eyes at his notorious siblings. They simply gave sly smiles in return.

Abhi turned to Pragya. "Pragya, Bulbul was looking for you."

"I see. I'll be going then."

Once she left, Abhi turned to Shabbir with a serious face. "She wasn't wrong. There is bound to be more deaths on the way."

"Oh come on! Quit being pessimistic Abhi. Aliyah, tell him!"

"Bhai, to tell the truth, Abhi bhai isn't wrong. I too fear that the situation has become worse. Something tells me, Ria's death is only the start."

"Not you too! No one is dying, alright? We will all come out of this. Trust me."

"Don't try to deny the reality of life Shabbir. You are only one person. You can't save everyone."

"Yes, I can't. But if we all work together, then we will succeed. Why don't you trust me?!" Shabbir spoke, pointing a finger at Abhi accusingly.

"It's not about trust anymore Shabbir. It's about survival. And from what I can see, we've just stepped into the battlefield where there is no turning back. You should toughen up. Because there will be casualties." saying that, Abhi left.

Shabbir sighed. "Don't listen to his bullshit Aliyah. I will make sure we all come out alive. I promise you." Aliyah let out a soft smile and nodded. 'I'm lucky to have a brother like you Shab-bear.'

"By the way, why did you come here in the first place Aliyah?"

"Damn! I almost forgot. Me and Abhi bhai got the footage from the camera at the courtyard. Lets go check it out."

Shabbir nodded and followed her.

#With Vivek#

"Purab is innocent. Let him go!" shouted Vivek.

"I don't give a damn if he is innocent or not. All I know is that he is a leverage to get the chip and maybe, even the girl."

"He doesn't know about the chip." Vivek lied.

"Yes he does. My men have seen him many-a-times with that Mehra kid."

"That's because Purab thinks they are after Shabbir's music. He has no idea of the chip. I would know since he tells me everything. I am his best friend after all." None of it was true, but Vivek spoke without a stutter. He wasn't an A ranked killer for nothing. He had survived purely on his acting and deceiving skills for as long as he can remember.

A. S seemed to contemplate whether to believe him or not. At last, he shrugged. "Whatever. If not the chip, then he must be of some use to get the girl. I've heard he's her sister's love and Pragya would no doubt give herself up for her sister's happiness. Quite a deal, eh?" He gave an evil grin.

Vivek was in a fix. He didn't know what he could say to make him leave Purab. At last, he came to a decision. "What if I promise you to kill her?" He spoke with determination."

A. S seemed to contemplate whether to believe him or not. At last, he shrugged. "Whatever. If not the chip, then he must be of some use to get the girl. I've heard he's her sister's love and Pragya would no doubt give herself up for her sister's happiness. Quite a deal, eh?" He gave an evil grin.

Vivek was in a fix. He didn't know what he could say to make him leave Purab. At last, he came to a decision. "What if I promise you to kill her?" He spoke with determination.

A. S. leaned forward in his seat. "I'm listening."

"If you let my best friend go, then I promise you to kill her once in for all. That girl is unimportant for me, but my friend matters."

"What makes you think I'll believe you?"

"Because Kent already killed someone at the college and there would be tight security over the place. However, no one would suspect me and I can finish the job easily."

"Hmm... You're not wrong." A. S looked down, deep in thought. Finally, after sometime, he spoke. "Alright. You can take him. But remember Vivek. You must kill the girl within two days. Or else, it won't take us long to find and kill Purab again. And this time...this time, I might kill you as well."

"Fine. It's a deal." Vivek replied. He knew he could never kill Pragya, and he also knew that A. S would no doubt kill Purab and him if he doesn't do it. However, at that moment, he was only thinking about getting Purab out. He would figure out a plan later.

#With Kriti#

Kriti moved through the rows of shelves with a heavy heart. Those were the same shelves where she and Ria had spent good times together. She still remembers how Ria would always chide her for mishandling the books. 'Will you come back if I misplace the books? If I throw them?'

She shook her head of her hopeless thoughts and continued looking for Ria's phone. Even after searching for long, she couldn't find it. She thought of dialing her number.

Kriti looked back as she heard it ring from a corner. She followed the sound and reached a secluded corner of the library. 'The sound seems to be coming from behind that cupboard. But... But how did Ria's phone get there?'

In an effort to get the phone, she pushed the cupboard a little to the side. Once the phone was in view, she got up to leave. However, she felt like she saw something on the wall and looked at it carefully. What she saw, shocked her to the core and the phone dropped from her hands.

In the wall, painted in blood, was a name.

VIVEK

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To be continued...

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~ 🌹 Mona 🌹