"𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐬."

Avani immersed herself in the case file, her eyes scanning the documents and notes spread across her desk. The digital clock on her table glowed softly, displaying 11:57. The silence in her study was suddenly shattered by the ding of her phone.

She set her pen down and picked up her phone, her gaze falling on the message from an unknown number.

"Hey Cherine, All the best for today's hearing. See you today at court. -Siddharth"

Avani's brow furrowed as she checked the time on the clock near her. 12:00 AM. Midnight.

She knew that message is from even without looking at the name and that nickname only one person calls her that, Siddharth. The same Siddharth who was at the center of the case she was fighting against him.

Avani's thoughts swirled with irritation. "What's with this Cherine name?" She shook her head. "And wait, was he waiting to message me when the clock hit midnight? That's just creepy."

Her eyes narrowed. "He's messaging me like we're friends? Newsflash, Siddharth! I'm the lawyer on the opposing side, and you're the suspect in this case!"

Avani's hands clenched into fists, her mind racing with the implications. What was Siddharth's game? Was this some tactic to throw her off balance?
She took a deep breath, pushing aside her frustration. "Focus, Avani".

With renewed determination, Avani returned to studying the case file, her eyes scanning the documents with fresh intensity.

As she delved deeper into the case, Avani's thoughts lingered on Siddharth's message. What did he mean by "See you today at court"? Was it a threat or a challenge?

The clock ticked on, but Avani's mind remained fixed on the hearing ahead.

----

Avani stood poised outside the courtroom, her hands clutching the case file tightly. Her heart pounded in her chest, the sound echoing in her ears. Her mind was lost in thought, rehearsing every possible scenario that could unfold inside.

Rohan's gentle voice broke the spell, "Hey, Avani, they've called our case number. Let's go inside."

Avani's gaze snapped back to reality. She nodded, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves.

Together, they stepped into the courtroom, the heavy wooden doors swinging shut behind them. The murmur of voices, the rustle of papers, and the creak of wooden benches enveloped them.

As Avani and Rohan approached the front of the courtroom, Avani's gaze swept the room, her eyes locking onto Siddharth. He sat confidently, his piercing gaze fixed on her, a small smirk playing on his lips. Beside him, his assistant, Anika, was engrossed in her iPad, her fingers flying across the screen.

Avani's eyes continued to scan the room, taking in the familiar faces. Kishore, the key witness, sat in the designated area. Across the room, Inspector Aarav, stood with a reassuring smile. Avani returned the gesture, her tension easing slightly.

Just then, Siddharth's lawyer, Arun Kumar, strode up to her, his customary cockiness radiating from his very being. "Good morning, Miss Avani. Prepared for the case?" he asked, his tone dripping with condescension.

Avani met his gaze calmly. "Good morning, Mr. Arun Kumar." Her voice was steady, unhurried. Rohan handed her the file, and Avani smiled briefly at him before focusing on the documents.

Arun's eyes narrowed, his smile twisting into a smirk. "Tsk, so arrogant," he muttered under his breath, returning to his seat.

The courtroom fell silent as the judge entered, the sound of the gavel echoing through the room.

"This honorable court is now in session," the judge declared. "Case number XXXX"

Aarav, the police inspector, stepped forward, presenting evidence gathered by the police.

Avani's determination solidified. She stood tall, her shoulders squared, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Rohan's reassuring presence beside her provided a steady anchor. "You've got this, Avani," he whispered.

With a nod, Avani steeled herself for the battle ahead. Avani stood, her confidence and poise evident. "Your Honor, I represent the State in this case." Arun rose beside Avani. "And I represent the defendant." The hearing had begun.

Avani stood confidently, her eyes locked onto Siddharth's calm demeanor. "Your Honor, I request permission to question the defendant."

The judge nodded, his expression impartial. "Proceed, Miss Avani."

Avani's gaze never wavered. "Mr. Siddharth, can you explain what you were doing on the night of February 14th?"

Siddharth's expression remained serene. "I was working on a project."

Avani's eyes narrowed. "Wasn't that day Rajiv's birthday? There was a party you didn't attend it?"

Siddharth's smile hinted at amusement. "Yes, I did attend. We celebrated his birthday earlier that evening."

Avani's voice dripped with skepticism. "Dear lord, I have the CCTV footage of that day to show." She handed the footage to the judge, who examined it carefully.

"We can see Rajiv going inside his study in a hurry, and sometime after, Siddharth entering," Avani pointed out. "Then the footage becomes damaged, and the CCTV camera inside was not working." The judge's brow furrowed. "It seems we have a technical issue here."

Avani glanced at Siddharth. "The CCTV footage shows you entering the study room and exiting alone. Then, suddenly, the CCTV camera is damaged."

Avani turned towards Siddharth, her eyes piercing. "Mr. Siddharth, did you damage the CCTV camera to conceal something?"

Arun sprang up, his voice laced with amusement. "Objection, Your Honor."

The judge nodded. "Proceed, Mr. Arun."

Arun chuckled. "So, Miss Avani is suggesting that my client, Siddharth, damaged the CCTV camera. Does she have any proof to support this claim?"

Avani's voice remained steady. "The CCTV visual shows Mr. Siddharth entering the study, and then the footage becomes damaged. It's possible he could have arranged for someone to disable the camera."

Arun's chuckle filled the courtroom. "I'm astonished that one of the top lawyers in our country would suggest something so speculative."

Avani's fists clenched, but she maintained her composure. "I'm merely presenting the facts, Your Honor."

She turns towards Siddharth"What were you guys talking inside?"

"We were talking about business deal we won that we were working for months."Siddharth replied.

"Okay, that's all your Honor"she goes back to her seat while rubbing her forehead.

Rohan whispered, "Hey, you okay?" Avani rubbed her forehead. "Yeah, just a little headache. Maybe from staying up late."

Arun stood, his expression confident. "Your Honor, in the footage Miss Avani submitted, we see one of the servants, Kishore, mopping the floor. I'd like to call him as a witness."

Kishore took the stand. Arun asked, "Mr. Kishore, what did you see on the night of February 14th?"

Kishore cleared his throat. "I saw Rajiv entering the study room first, then Siddharth entering sometime later. Later, Siddharth came out, but Rajiv stayed inside. Then Rajiv sir called out for me to bring him some water I give him water then I left because floor mobbing there were done."

After hours of questioning and heated debate, the judge reviewed the evidence.

Finally, he declared, "Due to lack of evidence, Siddharth is hereby cleared of all charges." Siddharth's gaze locked onto Avani's, a hint of triumph in his eyes.

Avani's expression remained stoic, but her thoughts swirled. Had she misjudged Siddharth?

As the courtroom erupted into murmurs, Avani gathered her papers, her mind racing with the implications.

----

Avani stood in the corridors of the court hall, her hands still rubbing her forehead as she struggled to process the outcome. Rohan stood beside her, his expression understanding.

"It's okay, Avani," Rohan said softly. "If Siddharth isn't the culprit, then we'll find the real one. We won't give up."

Avani sighed, her shoulders sagging. "Yeah, if it's not him, then it's someone else. But I don't know why I feel like I lost to him. I don't want to lose to him."

Rohan's hands closed around her shoulders, offering comfort. "Hey, Avani, don't think too much. You did your best."Avani nodded, taking a deep breath.

Just then, a familiar voice echoed through the corridor."Hey, Cherine.."

Avani and Rohan turned to face Siddharth, his assistant by his side. Siddharth's smirk hinted at triumph.

"I'm not the suspect anymore," Siddharth said, his eyes glinting with amusement. Avani rolled her eyes, her tone laced with indifference. "So?"
Siddharth chuckled, the sound grating on Avani's nerves.

"I must say, you put up a good fight, Avani," Siddharth said, his voice dripping with condescension. "But it seems justice prevailed."

Avani's gaze narrowed. " Thanks. Also justice? You call this justice?" Siddharth shrugged. "Perhaps not for you, but certainly for me."

Rohan stepped forward, his voice firm, encouraging Avani to leave. "Avani, come on. Let's go."

But Siddharth's smile only widened, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, Cherine, leaving already? I've just started talking."

Avani's eyes locked onto Siddharth's, her irritation palpable. "It's okay, Mr. Siddharth. You can talk to yourself or your iPad assistant."

Siddharth's assistant, Anika, looked up from her iPad, her expression neutral.

Siddharth chuckled, the sound low and husky. "But it's not fun unless I'm talking to you, Cherine."

Avani's face twisted in frustration. "Stop calling me that name. It's Avani, Avani Khurana. That's my name."

Siddharth's grin persisted. "But I like Cherine more. It suits you."

Anika whispered something in Siddharth's ear, and he nodded.

"Look like I have to go," Siddharth said, his gaze lingering on Avani. "I'll see you soon."

As he turned to leave, his parting words echoed through the corridor. "Until next time, Cherine."

Avani's jaw clenched, her resolve strengthened. She stomped her foot on the floor, her frustration boiling over. "Bastard!" Rohan watched Siddharth disappear into the crowd, his expression thoughtful.

"Avani, let's get out of here," Rohan said gently. Avani took a deep breath, composing herself. "Yeah, let's go."

As they walked away, Avani's mind replayed the encounter. Siddharth's smirk, his condescending tone, and that infuriating nickname.

"I hate him. That cocky bastard" Avani muttered. Rohan glanced at her. "You okay?" Avani nodded. "I will be."

-----

Nitika and Aditi lounged in the living hall, flipping through TV channels, when the doorbell suddenly rang. They exchanged a nervous glance, their minds racing to the possibility of it being Kairav.

"I'll go," Nitika offered, but Aditi swiftly stood up. "I'll get it," Aditi said, smoothing her clothes.

She opened the door to reveal Avani and Rohan standing in the doorway, shopping bags in hand. Aditi's face lit up with a warm smile.

"Hi, Avani di, Rohan bhaiya!" Aditi exclaimed, stepping aside to let them in. Avani's weary expression softened into a gentle smile as she entered.

Rohan's eyes widened slightly at Aditi's affectionate term, 'bhaiya' (brother). Aditi quickly relieved Rohan of some shopping bags.

"Give them to me, bhaiya, I'll help," Aditi insisted.

Rohan shook his head, but Nitika swiftly took the bags from Avani.

"Let me take those, didi," Nitika said, concern etched on her face. "You look tired." Avani nodded, rubbing her forehead. "I'm having one the worst headache."

Nitika looks at her concerned"wait a min." She puts the bags in her hand on the coffee table and goes inside the kitchen.

As others settled into the couch, Rohan placed the bags on the coffee table.

"Some necessary grocery items," Rohan explained. "And some clothes for you both," Avani added, her voice slightly strained.

Aditi's eyes welled up with gratitude.

"We don't know how to thank you both, we can't repay you," Aditi said, her voice trembling. Rohan's expression softened.

"You don't need to repay us, Aditi. You call us didi and bhaiya, that's all the payment we need," Rohan said with a gentle smile.

Avani watched, surprised by Rohan's warmth towards Aditi. It's her first time seeing him being gentle someone other than her or his family members.  Avani smiles as she watches both of them interacting.

Aditi smiled through tears. "Thanks, bhaiya, thanks didi," she whispered.

Rohan's smile widened. "No need to thank us. Now, wipe away those tears, no more crying, okay?" Rohan said.

Just then, Nitika returned from the kitchen with two steaming cups.

"Here, black dry ginger coffee for Avani didi and black coffee for Rohan sir," Nitika announced. Avani's eyes lit up."Thanks Nitika, I really needed this."

Rohan took his coffee, his eyes meeting Avani's in appreciation. As they sipped their coffee, the tension in the room dissipated, replaced by warmth and gratitude.

"I'll make dinner today," Aditi announced, picking up the shopping bags. Avani set her cup on the coffee table. "Hey, hey, no Aditi, I'll cook."

Nitika swiftly intervened, shaking her head. "No, didi, you're tired and have a headache. Please rest. I'll help Aditi with dinner."

Avani opened her mouth to protest, but Nitika cut her off. "Don't say anything, didi," Nitika insisted, her voice firm but gentle.

Avani's shoulders relaxed slightly. "But my headache is okay now. A shower will refresh me, and then we can cook together." Nitika's expression remained resolute. "Didi, please—"

Avani's firm tone brooked no argument. "No buts. And Rohan, you're eating dinner here, right?"

Rohan nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I wouldn't miss it." Avani smiled, relieved. "Great, it's settled then. We'll cook together."

Nitika surrendered, a small smile on her face. "Fine, but you're taking a shower first, didi." Avani smiled, triumphant. "Deal."

As Aditi and Nitika headed to the kitchen, Avani rose, her movements languid.

"I'll shower quickly," Avani said, glancing at Rohan. "Make yourself comfortable." Rohan nodded, settling into the couch, his eyes fixed on Avani's retreating figure.

The sound of laughter and sizzling vegetables soon filled the apartment, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

-----

Siddharth lounged on the plush couch, cradling a glass of vintage wine in his hand. His gaze drifted into the distance, a mesmerized smile spreading across his face.

"You should have seen her face, Ashwin," Siddharth said, his voice low and husky. "Oh, god, how can someone be this beautiful while being angry?"

Ashwin rolled his eyes good-naturedly, downing his own glass of wine in one swift motion. "Here we go again, Sid. Please chill."

Siddharth chuckled, his fingers idly playing with the buttons of his shirt, which were undone to mid-chest, revealing a hint of his chiseled torso.

"Such a beautiful soul she is, you know," Siddharth mused, his eyes glinting with amusement. "But her bad luck, her beautiful soul will be mine, and mine alone."

Ashwin shot him a weird expression, pouring himself another glass of wine. "Seriously, dude, you're obsessed."

Just then, the door swung open, and Ashwin sprang up dramatically. "Oh. My. God. Look who's here?!" Ashwin exclaimed, flinging his arms wide.

A tall, toned man with tan skin and piercing eyes strode into the room. His chiseled features and sharp jawline commanded attention.

"Abhi, my dear!" Ashwin gushed, enveloping the newcomer in a warm hug.

"I missed you, man," Ashwin said, guiding Abhishek toward the couch. Siddharth nodded in greeting, raising his glass in a silent welcome.

Abhishek sat down, adjusting his sleek glasses. He nodded back, his eyes scanning the room before settling on Siddharth.

"So, Abhi, how's the marriage planning going?" Ashwin asked, pouring a glass of wine for Abhishek. "I still can't believe our trio's first marriage is happening."

Abhishek sighed, his gaze drifting toward the open balcony, where the city lights twinkled like stars.

"Let's not focus on that tonight," Ashwin said, handing Abhishek the glass. "This celebration is for our Sid, who's finally off the suspect list."

Abhishek took a sip, his expression thoughtful. "How are things at the hospital?" Siddharth asked, passing his empty glass to Ashwin for a refill.

"Good," Abhishek replied with his characteristic calm, deep voice. The others nodded understandingly, familiar with Abhishek's reserved nature.

Unlike Siddharth's aggressive charm or Ashwin's boisterous humor, Abhishek was the quiet, analytical one – the nerd of their group.

"Who's the lucky girl?" Ashwin asked, handing Siddharth his refilled glass.
"Shivani Rathore," Abhishek replied, his eyes locked onto the wine's crimson hue.

Ashwin's eyes widened. "Shivani Rathore? Oh my god, she's a businesswoman, right?" Abhishek nodded, taking another sip.

"I know her father really well," Siddharth said, setting his glass on the coffee table. "He's a shrewd businessman."

Ashwin whistled. "That's a great connection, Abhi. You're securing your future." Abhishek's expression remained serene.

Abhishek sat silently, his gaze fixed on the crimson-red wine glass in front of him, its reflections dancing in the dim light.

Ashwin and Siddharth exchanged knowing glances, understanding his unspoken thoughts.

"Hey, Sid, the case is over for you now," Ashwin said, setting his glass on the coffee table beside the expensive wine bottle. "So, you won't be able to see Avani anymore."

Siddharth chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"Who told you that? I won't be able to see her? I'll make excuses to see her. Simple," Siddharth said, leaning back into the plush couch, his voice dripping with confidence.

Just then, a knock interrupted their conversation."Come in," Siddharth called out.

A man in a black suit entered, his expression impassive. "It's done, sir," he stated, awaiting confirmation.

Siddharth nodded curtly, dismissing the man. Ashwin's confusion deepened.

"Huh?! What's done? Did I miss something?" Ashwin asked, his brow furrowed.

Siddharth's gaze drifted toward the balcony, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"A little surprise for my Cherine. Also, I told them to disable every camera in her apartment," Siddharth revealed, his eyes locked onto Ashwin's.

Ashwin's eyes widened. "Why? What's going on, Sid?" Ashwin pressed. Siddharth's expression turned neutral.

"Yesterday, I saw two girls in her apartment. I told my men to check their details. They're staying with my Cherine. I put that camera to watch cherine not others. I don't want any other woman's footage," Siddharth explained, his voice low and husky.

Ashwin nodded slowly, comprehension dawning.

Just then, Abhishek's phone pinged, breaking the tension. "Emergency at the hospital," Abhishek announced, rising from his seat, his expression focused.

Siddharth and Ashwin nodded in understanding. "Okay, dude, see you then. You're not driving, right?" Ashwin asked, concern etched on his face.

Abhishek shook his head. "Have a driver," he replied, exiting the room with swift efficiency.

As the door closed behind Abhishek, Siddharth's gaze returned to the balcony, lost in thought. Ashwin watched him, unease creeping into his mind.

Ashwin settled back into the couch, eyeing Siddharth with amusement. "What are you thinking about, Sid?"

Siddharth's gaze drifted, his thoughts consumed by Avani. A soft smile played on his lips.

"Nothing, just thinking about my Cherine," Siddharth said, his voice low and husky, "and the little gift I have planned for her."

Ashwin rolled his eyes, chuckling. "Seriously, Sid, don't forget you have a meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m. Don't drink too much."

Siddharth waved his hand dismissively. "I'll be fine, Ashwin. I can handle my wine."

Ashwin raised an eyebrow. "And your obsession with Avani? Can you handle that?"

Siddharth's smile grew, his eyes glinting with intensity. "That's not an obsession, Ashwin. That's devotion." "Sid, you're taking this too far," Ashwin warned, his voice barely above a whisper.

Siddharth's smile grew, his eyes glinting with determination. "I've just begun," Siddharth whispered back.

The room fell silent, the only sound the soft clinking of wine glasses

-----

Avani focused on her laptop screen, her fingers flying across the keyboard. A knock at the door broke her concentration. "Yes, please come in," Avani called out.

Sanvi, her efficient assistant, entered with a hesitant smile. "Mam?" Sanvi said, her eyes locked on the enormous bouquet in her hands.

Avani's curiosity piqued, she set aside her laptop and rose from her chair.
"What's this, Sanvi?" Avani asked, her brow furrowed.

Sanvi approached Avani's desk, carefully cradling the stunning arrangement of long-stemmed red roses.

"It's a delivery for you, Mam," Sanvi announced, handing Avani the bouquet.

Avani's confusion deepened as she accepted the flowers. The sweet fragrance wafted up, filling her office.

"Thank you, Sanvi. You may go now," Avani dismissed, her gaze already scanning the bouquet for a card.

Sanvi nodded and departed, closing the door behind her.

Avani's eyes scanned the bouquet, searching for a clue. A small white card caught her attention, tucked discreetly among the roses.

Unfolding the card, Avani read the message written in dark blue ink:

"A small gift from me to you, Cherine.
Red roses are my favorite-"

"-They remind me of you. Beautiful to see, but painful to touch due to the thorns that protect them."

                                                       -S

Siddharth's fingers wrapped around his prized, thick-barreled blue pen, its weight reassuring in his hand. He wrote on the small white card, his strokes bold and deliberate.

As he finished writing, Siddharth's gaze drifted to the stunning bouquet beside him. Long-stemmed red roses, meticulously arranged, seemed to radiate elegance.

He gently lifted a rose, its velvety petals inviting his touch. Siddharth's fingers traced the delicate curves, his eyes locked onto the thorns.

"So beautiful, just like you, my Cherine," he whispered, his voice filled with reverence. "This bouquet is a starting gift from me to you. Stay tuned, there's more to come."

A small smirk spread across his face as he envisioned Avani's reaction. A discreet knock broke the silence.

"Sir?" One of his man said, entering the room. Siddharth nodded, and the man carefully gathered the bouquet.

"Ensure it reaches her safely," Siddharth instructed, his eyes never leaving the rose still cradled in his hand. The man nodded and departed, leaving Siddharth who stares at the closed door.

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