Timeline: Early 2000's

Suresh's POV:

I tapped away at my computer, trying to figure out the code for a new Bluetooth project. I had plugged in my earphone to listen to the radio channel 92.4 Chill FM which was playing some of my favorite songs, bringing me a sense of ease and nostalgia.

❛koi na roko dil ki udaan ko,
dil ye chala, aa..❜

The gears of my mind turned against the ticking time, grinding even as the energy levels were dropping. Beads of sweat ran down my forehead as I rechecked the console and the code for the third time now.

I was so focused on my work I didn't notice everyone leaving for tea time. I checked my phone. There was no message from anyone. I opened the messages app and scrolled through the messages and found the conversation between me and Maya. The last text was on her birthday when I wished her and she had said thanks.

It had been a while now, and I wondered if she still remembered me or she'd found someone else to hold hostage.

I rubbed my thumb over the keys, wondering if I should text her and ask if she had any plans for coming over to visit her friends and if she missed me enough to visit me. I would be okay even if she didn't. She always made a good impression on people wherever she went, so I wouldn't be surprised if she..

A sudden cooling sensation touched the back of my neck, sliding down my spine and creating a literal chill down my spine. It must've been an ice cube from what it felt like, but, who could've done this?

I looked around in confusion. There was no one around. Everyone had left for tea and I was the only one sitting at my desk.

Odd.

I looked up trying to figure out if the pipes for AC had leaked, causing this effect but, there was none. I got up from my desk to inspect the piping. The technician had just recently fixed the piping and it was possible that he had left some area unattended accidentally.

Upon finding no evidence of pipe leakage, whatsoever, I got down from the chair and cautiously started to walk out when a pair of hands covered my eyes and blocked my vision.

I froze in my place, trying to feel the hand and figure out who put their hands over me. My hands traced until it sensed a familiar shape. I traced around it and a smile formed on my lips.

I pretended to be scared as the person led me towards the staircase where we could have a little privacy.

"Maya!" I squealed excitedly as I wrapped her in an embrace.

She was taken back in surprise but returned the hug hesitantly as she let out a hearty chuckle.

Letting go of her, I asked, "I missed you so much, where in the world have you been?"

"Busy with work," she said as she let go of the breath she'd been holding, "But, I managed to get a week's leave, thanks to my skills to get around HR." she swirled her hands when she mentioned skills, making me wonder if she played a prank on the HR too.

"Don't tell me you locked them up in your basement.."

"Nah," she dismissed me, "That's silly. I promised them a month's token of dhokla if they let me go on leave. It was a tough negotiation, but being the Notorious V I am, its paid too." she grinned.

Her warm smile flowed through me, erasing away all the negative thoughts that flowed through me and made me feel at ease again.

"I wanted to pull you out of your office cubicle in front of you colleagues but figured it would be better to surprise you with a little.. kidnapping." she winked at me.

"Glad to know you still are the villainess I know of. I was worried you replaced me." I said after a long thought.

She mimicked a gasp of surprise, showing how offended she had been and I slightly pulled my left leg back in case I needed to run.

"I could never replace you, Suresh. Even if you forgot me and moved oceans away, I would find my way back to you and probably take you away just to remind you of who's in charge here." A crease of concern formed on my forehead and she chuckled lightly, holding both of my hands in hers, "It won't be too bad, I promise."

A sigh of relief escaped my lips. Her reassurance about not causing too much trouble was relieving but I was still skeptical about her plans. But she had never harmed me till now, I trust her to not do so in the future - but, only time was to tell the answers.

Maya left the office shortly after, managing to go unnoticed by my colleagues or the management. Maybe they did see her but weren't sure about her identity.

After a long winding day at office and finally managing to resolve the bug, I yawned as I shut down the computer, the familiar Windows Vista background took over.

I walked down the stairs to find an auto standing outside. Maybe someone called for an auto to go home, I thought to myself and continued my journey to catch the bus home when the auto driver got down off his auto and called me.

I defensively turned around, half expecting to evade a potential attack. But his friendly expression quickly reassured me that he didn't mean harm. I stood my ground as he approached me.

"Are you Suresh?" the auto driver asked.

"Yes.." I trailed off not knowing how he knew my identity. "What do you want?" I prodded, trying to understand his intentions.

"I was asked to wait here and pick you up and take you to this place."

He pulled a folded paper from his pocket and showed me the address. I sighed in relief at noticing the familiar address.

We reached our destination about fifteen minutes later and I offered to pay for the ride but he told me that it was already done.

I got down the auto and walked towards the building.

Aroma of freshly cooked food hit my nose, comforting me with its scent. The radio in the living room was looping through hit songs of Lata; her melody flowed easily through the room.

❛saavan kaa mahinaa,
pavan kare sor
jiyaraa re jhume aise,
jaise banamaa naache mor❜

Sensing that I had made myself at home, Maya called out from the kitchen, "I was almost worried you wouldn't make it," she began as she wiped her hands dry on the kitchen towel, "sit at the table, dinner's almost ready."

"Such a nice way of kidnapping me right back to your lair" I said with a lopsided grin, knowing fully well it was her plan to send the auto home.

She feigned a gasp, making her look even more adorable than she already was, "Ho! Senor, you accuse me of grave things that I would never dare commit!"

I laughed at her playful tone which made her surrender and laugh along.

We sat on the chair set by the table on the opposite ends. She had placed the vessels and the plates atop of it.

She had prepared paratha and bhindi. There was also buttermilk to go with it. The food was simple yet it was just perfect for a light dinner.

"I am sorry about earlier," I hesitantly started after I took a few bites of the delicious food.

"About what, silly?" Maya prompted.

"I probably shouldn't have hugged you.. you sure you didn't feel uncomfortable? I swear, its just because I was so excited to see you, I kind of let things flow.." I said as I scratched my free hand on the back of my head.

"Say sorry another time and you'd be out of the window," She growled in a low threatening voice.

"Sorry.. I mean, sorry I-" I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself, "What did you say?"

She chuckled at my flustered expression and repeated her comment, making my face go white with terror.

"I actually might not, but, be careful," She remarked, munching on her chapati, "I don't like that term. Besides, I admired the gesture; if I had been so uncomfortable, I would have left straight away. So, you're okay really, and... if you really want to apologize for something, just bring me some excellent food; maybe it'll give you some goodwill and save you from being tossed out the window." she grinned.

'This girl..' I thought to myself and shook my head. 'I had to plan something really special for her.'

Maya's POV:

"Ahhh you're finally here!" Riddhi said as she pulled me into a tight embrace.

"I had to," I said as I returned her embrace. Her familiar scent enveloped me into a comforting cocoon. "You called me home, after all." I playfully added.

"Aw, you did come from so far for me, come on inside. My mom prepared us some food, though, you'd have to treat me with deserts later."

"I knew this was coming, and lucky for you, I am prepared." I said as I presented a steel box that was still warm because of its contents.

"What is it?" She squealed excitedly like a kid who'd been presented their favorite toy, eager to unwrap her present right away.

"Not now," I said as I directed the box away from her and her eyes pleaded me to just hand it to her. "Let's have some food first."

We sat around the table where Riddhi, her mom, Reshma and her dad, Gopal were seated too. It was good to be surrounded by family and feel the contentedness of feeling whole, even if it was for some moments, regardless of how broke all of us were, there was something really healing about just sitting with your family and having food together.

I had visited my parents yesterday but I already missed them a lot. They asked about my job and colleagues and I filled them in on the colorful tales from the office that made them shake their heads. Grandma was the only one who seemed to be proud of my mischief-crafting skills and I really beamed at it.

Riddhi was restless throughout food time and I thought it was probably because she was anticipating the sweets but her parents didn't take note of it either, implying that it was probably her habit.

Her customer support role must've really taken a toll on her and I sympathized. It definitely wasn't easy being in her position.

After we finished food, set our plates in the sink, we decided to relax for a while and talk in her room.

Riddhi carefully opened the box to reveal it was indeed her favorite dessert - gajjar ka halwa.

She squealed in excitement and hugged me and thanked me yet again for making her her favourite dish.

We savored the dessert and decided to leave half of its contents for her parents.

"How's your boyfriend doing?" Riddhi asked me out of the blue as we were listening to the radio.

I paused the radio and turned my attention to her, "I don't have one.."

"Oh, come on! Don't be shy, tell us already, is it that handsome guy from the party?" She nudged me and I playfully punched her side.

"No, Suresh's just a friend, really! Besides, I don't really have an interest in people in a romantic sense."

"Your blush tells me otherwise, girl." She winked at me, making me huff which only made her laugh harder.

"Alright, I do like someone.." I started as a blush crept up my cheeks.

"Knew it! Spill the tea, tell me everything!"

"Its him, but, we really are just good friends.. we never thought of this possibility."

"But, does he like you back?" She inquired.

"He probably does.. but, that's no excuse to bind someone to a relationship."

"Ah," She said, "You're probably overcomplicating things."

"Maybe," I said, "But, then again, as much as we both enjoy troubling each other, we know its a long shot. Probably worth a try, but, I don't expect an outcome out of it."

The week passed by too quickly and I was standing at the entrance of my office again, preparing myself mentally to get ready for work.

I checked my bag to ensure I had everything I needed - water bottle, lunch box, a present box and the book Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen which had been gifted by Suresh.

After our initial dinner together, he called me to his PG, where he attempted to cook some food, but the state of the kitchen spoke a different tale. The potato curry and poori he made were amazing and definitely notable for a first try. We cleaned up the kitchen, splashing water on one another and playing with vessels as if they were weapons in our playful battle.

We'd finished cleaning and were sitting on the sofa when he strolled over to his book collection and handed me this book. I hadn't read in a while, and Pride and Prejudice seemed like a decent place to start. We read part of its contents together, and he discussed his opinions on the book and how enthralled he was with her writing. It was pleasant to see him so excited about anything, and I agreed to read Jane's classic novel.

I passed by Mr. Chawla's office and put the present box on his table. I was about to turn around and leave when he called me.

"You did keep your end of the deal, huh? Nice." He said as he proceeded to unwrap the present. It was a steel box with freshly steamed dhoklas inside it. Getting up in the early morning to prepare it was definitely not a cake walk but I had to do it.

"Of course I did, I maybe evil but I keep my deals." I grinned.

"Fair enough. Have a good day at work today." he responded dryly.

I expected him to say something about my comment but assuming he had other matters to attend to, I walked out of his cabin and towards my workspace.

"You're finally back!" Ajith greeted me excitedly and before I could say anything, I was covered in confetti showers from two of my other colleagues. They managed to surprise me, I had to give them credits for it.

Everyone was happy that their mischief maker was back but there was something in the air that I couldn't quite pinpoint. It was as if they were hiding something.

I smiled at them and got to my desk and they got back to work.

"You wouldn't believe what happened while you were gone." Mihir said as I powered on my PC. It was probably going to take a good while to boot up, considering it was OFF for such a long time. I turned my attention to him.

"What happened?" I inquired.

The radio seemed to have picked up on the gravity of the situation when it played:

❛Jeene ke liye,
Socha hi nahi..

Dard sambhalne honge..❜

"There was a team of members who checked everyone's PC, their work and I heard there was a huge debate going on with them and the management team." He whispered, afraid of someone eavesdropping on their conversation.

"QuanDatum is a reputable company, its obvious our competitors want a piece of our success. It's probably related to that." I shrugged.

"Maybe.." Mihir said in contemplation, "But, I feel like there's more to this than it looks. Why else would the management be so frustrated and they even cancelled weekly activities."

"When did that happen?"

"Just three days ago. I suspect a deeper aspect of mystery at play here. Maybe they're trying to save their reputation. But, what could they possibly be hiding?"

I sat in my chair, considering the next step that would get us closer to the truth.

Karan's POV:

Current Timeline [2008]

I sat in my chair, considering the next step that would get us closer to the truth.

"I am not finding anything at all here!" Jay let out an exasperated sigh.

We were at a cyber cafe. I and Arav were sitting besides Jay as he pored through multiple websites and portals, trying to find out about a company that had the acronym QD. So far, the luck wasn't favoring us.

"That's impossible. Unless they genuinely tried to hide away with all the details, since, back then it was way easier to erase evidences." I suggested.

"If internet isn't helping us, what sources do we have?" Jay asked.

"Newspapers?" Arav quipped, his brows creased into thoughts.

"Good idea," Jay said, "We'll go to the library and see if we can find something."

❛it is easily understood that what might improve a closely scrutinized detail, may at the same time injure a general or more distinctly observed effect.❜
— Edgar Allan Poe

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Songs included in the chapter:

🎵 Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai by Lata Mangeshkar

🎵 Sawan Ka Mahina Pawan Kare Shor by Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar

🎵 Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi by Sanam Puri

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A/N: Another chapter after ages, yay!

AHH i had so much fun writing this chapter, and I know I said I would give our trio some more screen time, but, as things are starting to come together, I am realizing that, a transition of scene on same action up until the actual moment of confrontation comes along, would be a good way of building the tension.

Also, the song, "sawan ka mahina" its my favorite. My mom introduced me to the song on a whim and I loved it so much, I have since been incorporating it into Maya's life. I wanted to provide the translation, but, that would take away the magic of it. But, anyway, if you had never listened to that song before, go check it out! You won't regret it at all!

And and and, I am yet to review this book, edit it and make it actually better than before, but- it'd take time and I have exams lined up, quite literally. Hope you enjoy the further chapters till then!

Cheers,

Sara <3