"VRINDA'S POV"

Just for our dad.

His words still rang in my mind as I came back home the last night.

I have no idea why I had bought the sunflowers with me.

Just because I don't wanna waste Eleanor's efforts.

Yes, exactly. Eleanor is the one right, who knows that you love sunflowers.

I sighed as I looked at dad looking at me from past ten minutes on the breakfast table.

"Stop giving me the looks dad" I muttered

"I let you take decisions of your life doesn't mean you'll create a mess of it Vrinda. Firstly you wanted to get married, I didn't say a word. You divorced, I didn't say a word. Now you want to take part in a mission which is so damn risky. No I ain't allowing it. Abhimaan can take the responsibility "he straight away denied

" Dad, come on. It's you. It's about you. I'm not letting the RAW chief take any action against you. He has become blind. Doesn't he have a family? How can he be so heartless" I said

"They do their job Vrinda. Of course they've judged me. But if they want, they can clear it with me. I'm not letting you get involved in any of it. Even near it." He again repeated

"Dad, I'm a lawyer. It's not like I haven't played with danger ever" I said

"Vrinda. It's risky. It involves RAW. You're not going anywhere near it. Understood. " He scolded

"But RAW's best man is in your team" A voice came and I looked at the voice from the door.

"How the hell are you inside the house" I asked as I saw Abhimaan standing there.

In a beige half sleeved shirt and trousers, he looked

... Usual.

Yes usual.

"Had keys. Even if I didn't have there's a thing called making duplicate ones" He replied

"And there's a thing called breaching. Are you really interested to visit jails" I asked crossing my arms.

"Thankfully, I've a good set of criminal lawyers. The case won't last for more then what.. A minute" He mocked on my face and I glared him.

"Get out" I gritted

"Oh, breakfast" He said and did opposite of what was told.

Royally ignoring what I said, he made himself comfortable at the breakfast table.

"Good morning dad. How's the weather today" He asked

"You j.. " Before I could say dad spoke.

"Vrinda. Table manners" He pointed out

"Exactly Vrinda. Where are the manners sweetheart" He teased

"Mar gayi (Dead). And now since you've made yourself comfortable here, excuse me" I spoke with a tight smile turning to leave when I felt a tug on my hand.

As I turned to see, I felt Abhimaan holding my wrist with a small smile on his face.

"Sit Vrinda. You don't work empty stomach. And come on, we need to convince dad that RAW isn't as dangerous as he thinks.Because the danger is here" He said pointing himself and I looked at him.

"Self obsessed" I muttered

"Upma. Nice. " He said as he opened the casserole.

"Hogaya tum dono ka? (Are you both done) " It was dad this time and we both looked at him.

"Abhimaan. It's a serious matter" Dad said while that man sitting near me served himself a plate.

Mad man.

But then he placed it infront of me and taking a spoon from the stand, put it in my plate.

"I am serious dad" He replied

Don't Vrinda. Don't melt at this.

I am a woman. How can't I melt at it.

"My daughter is not going anywhere near the danger of your RAW" Dad said

"Any danger has to pass through me before even touching her" Abhimaan replied while I observed him serving another plate of upma to.. Dad.

And I melted there.

My heart clenching with pain of past days and relaxing with fullness of today at the same time.

"Tsch. And she cries at every small thing" He added as he took out his handkerchief, looked at me for a second and then passed it to me.

"I'm fine" I mumbled wiping my tears when he sighed then looked at dad and then again at me.

"Dad, she's sharp. Very sharp. And right now, the only one who can help me prove you innocent infront of RAW. And it's not only saving you. It's saving her as well. Let me repent my mistake. And above all, let me do this. For you, For us. For our families. For dad" He said and I looked at him.

Dad sighed and thought something for a minute.

"Okay. But Abhimaan, I'm warning you before hand.. " As dad was saying he spoke.

"Yeah yeah. Your daughter is safe with me. I'm not going to hurt her" He said with a little frown, a smile ready to break on my face when I stopped myself from doing so.

"Now if you both are done. I'm really hungry." He said looking at dad and then his eyes drifted to me.

I don't know what he was waiting for but as I took my first bite, I saw him picking his spoon and he started to eat.

Wait, did he.. No he didn't wait for me to...
Nope. Nah.

As we completed the breakfast, dad told that he was going out for groceries.

"Take Elliot with you" Abhimaan told to which he nodded and left while I looked at Abhimaan who rested himself on the couch as if he was free for a day.

"Don't you have work today? Confidential works or your Law firm" I asked

"Of course I have" He replied

"Then what are you waiting for? Christmas" I mocked

"Nope. I'm waiting for you" He said

"Excuse me. You don't need to. And moreover, I mailed you my resignation letter last night. " I told

"Ah yes. But I hope my PA sent a mail back to you. Stating that according to company rules, you have to complete a notice period of three months before leaving" He spoke

"What! When did this happen. There wasn't any such rule" I pointed out

"Oh then you must read our company's acts thoroughly baby" He said

"I'm not your baby" I snapped to which he just smirked

"Shall we " He asked

"I'll go on my own. And Abhimaan Kapoor, Stop Irritating Me. " I warned

"I haven't even started yet" He said when I passed him a tight smile standing up turning to go when I was pulled back such that I fell directly on his lap.

"Argh. Abh.. Abhimaan" I snapped

"Sush. Kya hai (What) " He asked

"Kya, kya hai. Ye kya hai.
(What, what. What's this)" I angrily asked trying to move but the hold on my waist didn't let me.

"Abhimaan, I'm warning you. Leave me right now" I warned

"Stop moving Vrinda. Just, let me breath properly" He said

"Oh really. This makes you breath? Then it was your ghost since all these days" I mocked angrily

"Trust me, I breathed peacefully just yesterday. And now, today" He said

"Shut it Abhimaan. This all is not going to affect me. And I'm too mature to be wooed by this" I stated

"Then what would woo you? Tell me" He asked his hold on my waist tightening while he kept his chin on my shoulder.

Damn the weather. Why did I wear this camisole.

"Tell me Vrinda, what can I do to woo you... Please you" He asked his face now near my ear as his hot breath fanned there, his lips brushing the same.

"Abhimaan" I warned..tried to warn while I clenched my fists tightly.

"Mhm hmm" He spoke his voice vibrating through my whole body.

This isn't right, right.

Me wanting him while I hate him.

This isn't right at all.

"Abhimaan" I again warned

Why the fuck am I just saying his name. Why nothing more is coming out this mouth.

"I miss you Vrinda" He said as I felt him pressing his face on my back.

"Paas hoke itni dur hogyi ho.
(You're so near me yet you're far).
I can't sleep in that room Vrinda. It.. Haunts me without you. " He whispered and my heart clenched at it.

Tell me Or else I'll shoot you.

"Leave me Abhimaan" I whispered and this time, his hold loosened as he removed his hand.

As he removed his warmth.

I stood up and looked away going towards the room, just to hear the knob of the main door.

"I'll be waiting for you" I heard the voice followed by the closing of the door.

And I turned, tears leaving my eyes.

Why did you do this Abhimaan.

Everything was going fine, but just one action, one action and I can't even take a step towards you.

The time flew and I was at office working on few more cases.

"Free here" A voice came and I looked to find Anjali.

I stood up with a small smile and hugged her.

"Where is Neil" I asked

"With his best friend" She told and I nodded.

"So what brings you here" I asked

"Neil had some work here so I thought to tag along to meet you" She shrugged

"Well, well. Sunflower pot" She said as she looked at the window.

Yes. Today when I reached office, I saw a sunflower pot.

Not a rocket science to know who did this.

I and Anjali talked for sometime and the only part of these days which makes me smile is her.

Her , my best friend. Who knows how to make me laugh, how to make me smile even when all I have are reasons to cry.

"And you know, there's this new bakery in the town. It serves best gelato. We need to try that too" She said

"Done" I told and we heard the knock on the door.

"Girls talk" It was Neil when I raised a brow.

"I'm in" He added and came near by when we chuckled.

"Come on. Let's get to work jasoos (detective) " He said looking at me.

"And you my love, go back home. Safely" He told Anjali to which she nodded and hugged me.

"Take care" She said and then kissed Neil and saying us bye she left while I looked at Neil.

"Shall we" He asked

"After you sir" I mocked as we headed towards the boss's cabin.

As we were entering, I heard Abhimaan yelling.

"And I don't fucking pay you for not being able to stop a media" He yelled when I stopped right at the door.

"Mai paanch minute gaayab hua, or ye fir shuru ho gaya
(I vanished for five minutes and he started again) " Neil muttered

"He did something before" I asked when he looked at me but then shook his head denying.

"Neil" I warned

"He's firing employees in anger" He said and I sighed.

"Are you Both done" His sharp voice came and I looked at the boss his arms folded glaring Neil.

"Yes sir" I replied to which he shot me a glare which I ignored entering inside.

"Fire me when the anger is on me. Not employees" I said as I took the seat and now he glared Neil again.

"I didn't say anything. She asked" He whined at which Abhimaan rolled his eyes.

"Okay. So, Charan is a fish right now that needs water to be alive" Abhimaan spoke

"Normal bhasha use ho sakti
(Can normal language be used) " I asked when he looked at me.

"Charan is damn reckless right now. Because he needs his son to be out of jail at any cost. Is that understandable ma'am? " He mocked

"Kaam chala lungi
(I'll work with it) " I mocked back

"Guys. I think we should focus on something which is more important" It was Neil and we both looked at him.

"Okay. So here's the plan. We need to just keep a live tracking on each action of Charan till he is here. View his all actions. He'll surely leave some traces. And once he do, we just need him to confess anything about Vrinda's dad. Something which can be a statement that proves dad innocent." Abhimaan said to which we nodded.

"So basically let's throw a bait, fish will catch it. And there, Grilled fish will be ready" Neil said and I gave him a disgusting look.

"Seriously Neil. You too" I spoke

"Vrinda. Focus on the matter" He said to which I shook my head in frustration.

"Neil, you & I both know how to hack systems. But he knows us. And as much as we say, Shantanu Charan isn't a fool who will get into our traps easily. So, You can't go into his house doing the same. Nether me. We need someone else" Abhimaan spoke

"For hacking" I asked

"Nope. Just for an act at his home" Neil said to which Abhimaan nodded.

"Let's just hire a stage actor." I told

"Vrinda, stage actor seriously" Abhimaan asked

"You said someone else" I said

"Someone from RAW. Who knows how to toy around" he specified but then without a second dialled a number.

"A hand needed here" He said to the unknown and cut the call.

And in some minutes there was a knock on the door .

"In" Abhimaan commanded and I saw Monica from IP branch.

"Monica" I spoke when she looked at me and then at Abhimaan.

She's the same woman who met me at lunch on the first day of office. We're friends.

But when did she started reporting directly to him. Is.. Wait.

She's.. RAW.

"She knows" Abhimaan spoke to Monica as if reading my face.

"Jai hind sir" She saluted to them both.

"At ease Monica." Abhimaan said and I shook my head shutting my eyes.

"Was she with me on day one keeping an eye on me" I asked angrily

"I'm again reminding you. Not everything is related to just case" Abhimaan said and then looked at her again.

"I'm a friend. Genuinely. "She blinked her eyes and I just nodded.

" Monica, an act at Charan's. Toying around for a time till a system to be hacked. You'll get the commands" Neil commanded

"When sir" She asked

"Now" It was Abhimaan who told and a small smirk came on her face.

"Network jammers" She asked

"Will be done. Get to the work. A metal case kit, hide the gun. You'll be checked before entry for sure" Abhimaan told and she nodded

"I'll text you as soon as I reach there. Jai hind " she said

"Jai hind" They both replied and as she took leave, I saw Abhimaan taking out a... Mac book.

Of course. Jasoos . (Agent).

And as he opened it, he passed it to Neil who did something with keyboards and all.

"Address" He asked and I nodded telling him the same.

And then we got back to our file works till we got a signal from Monica after two hours.

And then my phone buzzed.

Reached. Do it.

"She's there" I told and at the same time Neil smirked pressing enter.

"Done." Neil said

"Send her a thumbs up Vrinda. Just a thumb" Abhimaan told and I nodded doing the same.

And then we waited. Just waited for another twenty minutes and nothing happened.

"What? How much long. It won't work" I said

"Patience is the key Vrinda" Abhimaan said

"Look who's saying" I scoffed

"You have no idea about my patience Ms. Vrinda Shah. So don't even get me started with it" He warned and before I could speak again, my phone buzzed.

Divert!

I read the text.

"And we go" Neil said and in another second, we heard a call.

"Telecommunication outage reporting. May I know the problem sir" Neil spoke

"Calling from XYZ house, Harlem .The network issues since past half an hour. Can you send someone to fix it" I heard someone say.

"Our worker Ms. Monica Adams will reach you in ten. " Neil replied and cut the call.

And in next fifteen minutes, I got a call from Monica which I picked and Abhimaan pointed to the screen asking me to turn on the speaker. I did the same keeping my phone on table.

"Sir, from telecom department. Seems like you're having network problems" I heard Monica's voice.

"For fuck's sake stop talking and get this damn network fixed." I heard a man, surely Charan.

"Of course sir. Can I check the wifi " Monica asked and then I didn't hear anything for some minutes.

"Ah, seems like a wire problem. I'll just rejoin the wires and see to the network frequency " Monica spoke

"Then get it done. Stop bugging on my head" He said

"Oh. Sir. I'm so sorry. I just forgot my tool box at checking. Um, will you" She spoke with a chuckle

"Useless" I heard and the next I didn't hear anything for a while.

"Done sir. " I heard a whisper and cut the call.

"Remove the jammers Neil" Abhimaan instructed and then gave me a thumbs up.

"Monica has left. She'll be here in half an hour" I told

"Great." Abhimaan said taking Mac book and did something.

We waited for a while but nothing appeared on screen.

And while turned into hours yet nothing happened

"What's this. There's nothing" I said frustrated as it was almost five in the evening and nothing was visible.

"Now what? Patience" I asked getting tired.

"Yup" Abhimaan said and I scoffed.

"No result since three hours. Yeh sikhata hai RAW.
(This is what RAW teaches)" I mocked when he didn't say a word and looked at his watch.

And then he smirked.

And this smirk.. Was his winning smirk. The one which he gives just before he ends a case.

When he rests his case saying a last sentence with which he knows that he has won.

And, I saw the screen flickering and... The screen turned on.

With four screens. Three of Charan's home and one of his car.

How the fuck this happened.

"Madam, yeh sikhata hai RAW.
(Madam, this is what RAW teaches) " Abhimaan replied.

________________________________

Hey readers. Hope you all are doing great.

So, how's the chapter.

Abhimaan being in his slight mocking mode back. Of course he's in damn pain too.

So is Vrinda.

But they're working as a team.

What do you think will happen.

Let's see.

Vote, like, share and comment.

Until next...

Hugs ❤