The early morning alarm blazed to life jolting Kiara out of her slumber. She groggily reached over to silence it, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She was already running late, and she knew it.

"Damn it,"she muttered to herself, tossing off the covers and swinging her legs,over the side  of the bed.

She rushed through her morning routine, somehow managing herself ready in the record time. She grabbed a quick breakfast on the go- a granola bar and a cuo of coffee- and headed out the door.

As she drove to the NCB office, she went over the case files in her mind , which was handed by her senior , Dr. Rao yesterday.
They had been hired to investigate a major drug dealing operation and Kiara was determined to crack it.
As Kiara stepped out of the car and onto the pavement, her eyes widened in awe. She had seen the pictures of the building, but nothing had prepared her for its grandeur in person.

The NARCOTICS CONTROL BUREAU stood tall and imposing.
Its cream coloured walls bearing the scars of time and weather. The architecture is a blend of colonial and Indian styles, the intricate carvings and ornate details adorning the facade.

A wide staircase led up to the main entrance , where a pair of sturdy wooden doors and brass handles swung open to reveal a brightly lit lobby.

To one side, a large wooden counter stretched across the room, behind which sat a row of clerks, there faces bent over the computer screen. The sound of keyboard typing and rustling papers filled the air.

On the walls, the portraits of freedom fighters and Indian leaders gazed down, there eyes seeming to watch the comings and goings of the buildings occupants. A large clock ticked on the wall, its steady rhythm a reminder of the passing of time.

For a moment Kiara forget herself, her mouth agape as she stared up at the building. But as she stood there frozen in wonder, Kiara suddenly felt a flush rise to her cheeks. She quickly regained her posture, standing up straight and smoothing out her kurti. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that she was a professional , here on official business.

With newfound confidence, Kiara walked into the building , her heels clicking on the marble floor. She approached the reception desk, where a smartly dressed woman with a warm smile greeted her.

"Can I help you?", the receptionist asked.

Kiara flashed her ID card. "I am Kiara Sharma, from the toxicology department. I'm here for a meeting with the NCB task force".

The receptionist eyes lit up with recognition . "Ah, yes! You're expected .
Please, follow me."

Kiara trailed behind the receptionist , who led her through a series of corridors and elevators , finally stopping at a door marked "Conference Hall".

"Here, you are, the receptionist said, smiling "Your meeting is waiting for you inside."
________________________________

Kiara took a deep breath, pushed open the door and stepped into the conference hall. The room was already filled with her teammates , Rohan and Neha and her senior , Dr. Rao. Kiara's nerves began to settle as she was enveloped in the familiar warmth of her colleagues.

She rubbed her sweaty palms on her pants, trying to compose herself. "Namaste, Sir," she greeted her senior,  Dr. Rao, with a slight bow.

Dr.Rao smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Kiara, beta, how are you?" he asked, affectionately.

Kiara smiled, feeling a sense of ease wash over her. "I'm good ,Sir. Just a bit tired from the early morning  commute".

Her teammates Rohan and Neha chimed in.
Rohan turned to Kiara and said, "Kya hai, Kiara? Aaj tum bohut thaki hoyi lag rahi ho?"
(What's up Kiara? You look really tired today.)

Kiara smiled and replied.
Bas, subah subah utna padhta hai. Tumahare jaise early riser nhi hoon main."
(Just , that Rohan I have to wake up early and I am not an early riser like you)

Neha chimed in , "Accha yeh sab chodo, pata hai maine suna h yeh investigating officer bohut handsome hai"
(Just leave it, I know I have heard that the investigating officer is very handsome).

Kiara and Rohan laughed and teased her.

Just as they were getting into the conversation, the door opened and a tall ,brooding figure strode in. Kiara's heart skipped a beat as she took in the sight of Aryaman, his piercing eyes scanning the room as if daring anyone to meet his gaze.

Aryaman was flanked by his team  members and his senior, all of whom meant business. Kiara felt a shiver ran down her spine as Aryaman's eyes locked onto hers, his expression unreadable.

Dr. Rao stood up, a smile on his face . "Ah, Aryaman, welcome. Please come in."

Aryaman nodded curtly , his eyes never leaving Kiara's face. Kiara fekt her cheeks grow hot, and she quickly looked away, trying to compose herself.
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