Rohan cautiously emerged from his room, scanning the hallway for any sign of the dog. Relieved to find it absent, he swiftly closed the door behind him.

He descended the stairs slowly, his eyes darting around the corner, prepared to retreat at the first sight of Snowy.

Reaching the bottom, Rohan swept his gaze across the hallway, searching for Manish or Subarna.

Spotting Manish washing his car outside, Rohan hastened towards him. "Excuse me," Rohan said, "can you drive me to the same place as yesterday?"

Manish nodded, wiping the car's glasses clean. "Of course, just wait a sec." Manish darted inside, reemerging with his shirt on and car keys in hand.

As they headed towards the car, a sudden bark pierced the air. Rohan's eyes widened in alarm as Snowy came bounding towards him. Instinctively, Rohan darted behind Manish, using him as a shield.

"Ah, Snowy, calm down!" Manish chuckled, patting the dog's head. Rohan peeked around Manish, still wary. "Let's go, please," Rohan urged, anxious to escape.

Manish smiled sympathetically. "Don't worry, Rohan sir. Snowy's harmless. Nitika, beta, come take Snowy inside," Manish called out, his voice warm and affectionate.

Nitika burst out of the doorway, her long hair fluttering behind her. "Wait, Papa, are you going somewhere? Can you please drop me at Aditi's?" she asked.

Manish's gaze flicked to Rohan, who watched the scene unfold with interest. Rohan's eyes narrowed slightly as the dog, Snowy, darted towards Nitika, barking enthusiastically.

Nitika laughed, scooping up Snowy in her arms. The dog licked her face, and she smiled, her eyes shining. As she turned to Rohan, their gazes met, and Nitika's smile grew wider.

"Wash your hands first, then you can," Rohan said while looking at snowy then to her.

"Maa I'm going to Aditi's house. I'll come back with Papa. Please take snowy inside." Nitika called out Subarna, who emerged from the house, wiping her hands on her dupatta. "Okay, but come back quickly," Subarna replied, taking Snowy from Nitika.

Nitika nodded, handing over Snowy. "I will, Maa." Manish opened the car door, gesturing for Rohan to get in. "Let's go." Nitika settled into the front seat beside her father.

As they settled into the car, Manish beamed with pride. "Rohan sir, I'd like you to meet my daughter, Nitika. She's a lawyer, back from Delhi after completing her studies."

Nitika's smile grew wider. "Hi again," she said, her voice playful her eyes fixed on Rohan through the inside rearview mirror.

"We've already met, Papa," she said, a hint of mischief in her voice. "I brought breakfast to Rohan sir's room today."Manish's eyes lit up. "Oh, really? That's wonderful!"

Rohan nodded, his expression neutral.
Yes, yes, we did, Rohan thought to himself. 'Not only her, but that dog too. It even licked my face.' He shook his head, recalling the unexpected encounter.

Nitika's warm smile and Snowy's exuberant greeting had caught him off guard.

Manish continued, "Nitika's been away for five years, studying law. She's done incredibly well, but unfortunately, she hasn't found a post yet."Nitika's gaze dropped, her smile faltering for a moment.

"I have a son too," Manish said, "married and settled just a few streets away."

Rohan gazed out the car window, his thoughts drifting to Nitika. So, she's a lawyer," he mused, impressed. "And was in Delhi that's explains why I didn't saw her yesterday nor that dog.

Nitika's voice broke into his reverie. "Papa, what's the plan for today?"
Manish's response drew Rohan back to the present. "Just dropping you at Aditi's, beta. Then Rohan sir and I have some business to attend to."

---✧---

Manish dropped Nitika at Arushi's, and then they retraced their route from the previous day. Manish parked the car in the same spot. "Please wait here, okay?" Rohan said.

Manish nodded "okay sir I will." Rohan stepped out of the car, walking towards Kishore's house. The morning sunlight cast a warm glow on the white-painted walls.

The crowd from yesterday was nowhere to be seen, replaced by a serene atmosphere. A middle-aged woman tended to the plants, watering them with care.

"Excuse me," Rohan approached her, "is Kishore here?" The woman looked up, adjusting her dupatta. "Yes, who are you?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm his friend," Rohan replied.

The woman nodded and disappeared inside. A few minutes passed before Kishore emerged, looking perplexed.
"Do I know you?" Kishore asked, scanning Rohan's face. Rohan shook his head. "No, you don't. I'm Rohan, a lawyer from Mumbai. You work at Gupta Mansion, right?"

Kishore's expression changed from confusion to caution. "Yes... How do you know?" Rohan's eyes locked onto Kishore's.

(Rohan explains everything to Kishore. I'm too lazy to write it again (⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.).

"So, I'm here to take your statement," Rohan said, retrieving his phone from his pocket. "Please cooperate with me." He activated the recorder app and nodded at Kishore. "Tell me everything you saw that night."

Kishore nodded, recounting the events. Rohan's eyes widened as he listened, his expression intensifying.
After Kishore finished, Rohan swiftly sent the recording to Avani and dialed her number.

"Hello, Avani? I met Kishore and took his statement. I've sent it to you; please review it immediately," Rohan said urgently. "Good job, Rohan. I will," Avani replied, ending the call.

Rohan turned to Kishore. "Thanks for cooperating, Kishore. Your statement is crucial. You'll need to testify in court at the next hearing."

Kishore nodded. "Thanks, sir. I know the lawyer who came here one day before told me that. I will come to the court at next hearing sir. He's also from Mumbai and he took my statement too."

Rohan's interest piqued. "What? What's his name?" Kishore hesitated, thinking. "His name... was Arun... yes, Arun Kumar." Rohan's eyes widened in surprise. Rohan's thoughts swirled around Arun's unexpected visit. "I should call Avani," he thought.

He turned to Kishore. "Thanks for sharing your statement. We'll meet again in court. Bye, and please pass my best wishes to your son for his marriage." Kishore nodded with a warm smile. "Of course, sir. I will."

Rohan got into the car as Manish started the engine. "Sir, we need to pick up Nitika, then we can head back."Rohan nodded, lost in thought.

---✧---

After picking up Nitika, they returned home. Rohan quickly exited the car and retreated to his room. He dialed Avani's number, and after a few rings, she answered."Hello, Avani. I got-"

Avani cut him off. "I've heard the statement... it's...". "I know," Rohan said, "but I've got new information. Arun visited Kishore before me and took his statement."

Avani's tone turned urgent. "What? Arun? Oh god, he's really fast no faster than us." Rohan's expression turned grim. "I know. We need to find more evidences before next hearing."

Avani agreed. "I'll start digging. I've received Rajiv's call history from that night. I'll scrutinize it and see if we can uncover more evidence."

"Okay, then I'll come back today itself," Rohan said. "No, Rohan, it's okay. Stay there for two more days," Avani replied firmly. "The hearing is next Monday, and today's Wednesday. There's no rush."

"But Avani, don't you need help-"
Avani cut him off. "It's okay, Rohan. I can manage things here." "Avani-"
"No, Rohan," she insisted. "Take some time off. You need it." The line went silent as Avani ended the call.

Rohan stared at the blank phone screen, lost in thought. Was there more to the case than met the eye? "This case just got more complicated." he mused, his mind racing with questions.

Rohan's thoughts were broken by a sudden voice."Ha! I knew it."Rohan turned to see Nitika standing in the doorway, a triumphant smile on her face. "I knew you were a lawyer," she said, stepping inside.

---✧---

Avani scrutinized Rajiv's call records from that night when her phone rang, breaking her concentration. "Hello, Sona di..." Avani answered, a warm smile spreading across her face.

"Hello, Avani! Aryan and I are in Mumbai right now. We couldn't possibly leave without seeing you," Sona exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Really? You're in Mumbai?" Avani asked, intrigued.

"Yes, we are! Aryan has an emergency case at City Hospital. After it's resolved, we'll head back to Delhi together. We'll be here for two days," Sona explained. "Let's catch up today, then! Are you busy?"

"I am currently, but I'll be free by evening," Avani replied. "Perfect! Let's have dinner together. You choose the restaurant," Sona suggested. "Wait, Aryan didn't call you, did he?"

"No, he didn't. Why?" Avani asked. "Aryan was the one who suggested dinner, saying he'd call you. That idiot! He forgot, as usual. Must be busy with the case," Sona chuckled.

Avani laughed. "It's okay, Sona di. He must be busy." "Okay, continue your work. Bye!" Sona said. "Bye," Avani replied, ending the call with a smile.
Avani refocused on Rajiv's call list.

---✧---

Avani arrived at the elegant restaurant, its exterior promise of luxury fulfilled inside. Soft blue and white lights adorned the walls, casting a sophisticated glow.

The interior exuded opulence, from crisp white tablecloths to sparkling crystal chandeliers.

As Avani made her way to their reserved table, she spotted Aryan and Sona engaged in conversation.

"Sorry for being late, guys," Avani apologized, sliding into her seat. Aryan smiled, his eyes crinkling. "It's okay, Avani. We just arrived too."

Sona smiles. "We're glad you could make it. How's the case going?"Avani's expression turned thoughtful. "It's been...interesting. I'll fill you in later."

"I already ordered for us," Aryan said with a smile. "A plate of salad for you, right, Avani?" Avani nodded gratefully.

"Thanks." Sona chimed in, "You still eat salad for dinner? Anyway, I have gossip. There's this woman in my office..."

Avani and Aryan exchanged an amused glance, shaking their heads good-naturedly as Sona continued sharing office stories. Their orders arrived, but Sona didn't miss a beat, continuing her tale.

Just then, Aryan's gaze drifted toward the entrance. "Wait, isn't that Siddharth Singhania?" Sona paused, following Aryan's gaze. "Yes, it is."

Avani's curiosity piqued, she turned to look. Siddharth stood near the bar, engaged in conversation with a middle-aged man.

The same woman from the court that day stood beside him, her expression attentive.

Avani's thoughts drifted back to the case. "Seriously that dude again, I still haven't got solid evidence against him, and Monday's hearing is looming."Just then, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts."Hi."

"Hi Siddharth," Aryan and Sona chimed in unison. "Hi Avani," Siddharth said, his smile courteous.

Avani turned to see Siddharth standing beside her seat, his gaze already locked onto hers. Avani's response was curt, her tone uninterested. "Hi."

Siddharth's gaze shifted to Aryan. "Enjoying the night together? Where's Vikram uncle and Nanlini aunty?Aryan's smiles. "They're not here, just us. How about you? A business dinner, right?"

His eyes flicked to the middle-aged man and woman sitting nearby. Siddharth nodded. "Yes, a business dinner." "Okay, see you guys then," Siddharth said, returning to his table.

Avani watched as Siddharth resumed his conversation with the them. She sighed, her thoughts tangled in the complexities of the case.

---✧---

"Bye, Avani. Call me when you reach home, okay?" Sona said, hugging Avani tight. "Of course, Sona di," Avani replied. Aryan smiled, ruffling her hair. "Bye, Avani. Take care of yourself." Avani smiled back. "Bye, bhaiya. You too, take care and have a safe drive."

As they drove away, Avani waved goodbye and turned to leave. Suddenly, a smooth voice interrupted her.

"Leaving already, Cherine?" Avani rolled her eyes, irritation flashing across her face. "It's Avani, and what's with Cherine?" Siddharth smirked. "But I prefer Cherine." Avani's gaze turned uninterested. "Whatever."

As she turned to leave, her foot caught on god's know something, and she stumbled. Siddharth's arms wrapped around her waist. "Oops, you almost fell," he said, his voice low.

Avani pushed him away, her eyes blazing. "What the heck, dude?" Siddharth's smile twisted. "Can't bear to see you fall. If I didn't catch you, you might break those teeth, making your face even uglier."

Avani's eyes widened, outrage burning within her. She stomped her foot, spun around, and sped away in her car. "Calling you ugly because nazer na lage, Cherine." Siddharth chuckled softly, watching her go. "Oh, Cherine. You're so fun to tease."

(Evil eyes off)

---✧---

Avani's anger simmered as she drove away, her fingers gripping the steering wheel tightly. "Who does Siddharth think he is, insulting me like that?" she fumed. "I should have broken his teeth instead. How dare he call me ugly?"

Avani took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Oh god, why am I letting him get under my skin? I know I'm better than this. I don't need his validation or approval."

She shook her head, chuckling wryly.
"Cool down, Avani. He's not worth your thoughts." But the memory of Siddharth's smirk and his words lingered. "Ugly..." she muttered, her anger flaring anew.

As she arrived home, Avani's phone buzzed. Sona. "Hey, Avani. Just checking if you reached home safe," Sona said. Avani smiled, despite her lingering irritation. "Yeah, I'm home. Thanks for checking."

"Everything okay? You seemed irritated" Sona asked. Avani takes a deep breath to calm herself. "No di everything is fine."

"You sure, okay then, take care. Good night."Sona said. "I will, Sona di. Don't worry you to good night" Avani reassured.

As the conversation ended, Avani tossed her phone onto the bed and collapsed beside it, her body surrendering to exhaustion.

A deep sigh escaped her lips as she closed her eyes, letting the weight of her fatigue carry her into a much-needed sleep.

The soft creak of the door signaled the entrance of a stealthy figure. "Yes, sir, she's asleep," a low, gravelly voice whispered into the earpiece.

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Hi my dear Homosapiens, How's this chapter? Tell me ur thoughts.<3!