Adhvik stood on the balcony attached to his room, the cool night breeze brushing against his face.

He was wearing black sweatpants and a fitted black tank top that accentuated his muscular build. His hair was slightly messy.

One hand rested on the railing, while the other held a cigarette. His mind drifted back to the club where he had bumped into that woman.

He lifted the cigarette to his lips, took a long puff, and fixed his gaze on the moon glowing in the sky among the stars.

"Aisa kyun lagta hai ki maine un aankhon ko pehle kahin toh dekha hai... par kahan?"

[Why does it feel like I've seen those eyes somewhere before... but where?]

He closed his eyes, trying to remember where he had seen them "It's familiar, but why can't I remember? And if this was our first meeting, why does it feel so familiar?"

He took another puff, and just then, a memory flickered through his mind.

It was the day he had gone to Banaras for the Maha Aarti on Shivratri and had bumped into a woman. Even then, he had seen nothing but her eyes.

"Was she the same woman? Again, only the eyes... Who are you?" he whispered to himself.

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, and Mahir's name lit up the screen.

"Sir, I need to tell you something," Mahir's voice came from the other end.

"Hmm."

"The construction schedule is approaching its deadline. We've already postponed the project for three months, and the contractors can't keep their arrangements on hold indefinitely. If we don't resolve the land issue soon, we'll have to push the entire development schedule back again."

Adhvik's jaw tightened, but he remained calm. He had already anticipated this outcome at some point.

Mahir continued, "And there's more. I found out that Oberoi is also trying to buy the same property. I have information that his people are trying to reach Ms. Vaidehi. He even approached Mr. Suryakant to arrange a meeting with her, but he hasn't managed to meet her yet."

A cold silence settled between them.

Of all the people who could interfere with Ganga Heritage, it had to be Oberoi.

Adhvik had spent years preparing for this project. He had acquired the surrounding properties, assembled his team, and brought the development to the point where everything was ready to move forward.

Everything except the one piece of land he needed.

"I want the Vasiyat [will] for Vaidehi's property on my desk tomorrow. And send her one final message," he said coldly.

"I'll bring it tomorrow, sir. But we've already tried negotiating with her, and she has been refusing for months."

Adhvik's grip on the railing tightened.

"She can refuse to sell her property, Mahir. That's her decision. But I'm not going to stand by and watch Oberoi turn my project into another one of his games."

"I won't let anyone come between me and my project. I'll do whatever it takes. Neither Vaidehi nor Oberoi will be able to stop me."

With that, he ended the call.

Adhvik walked into his study and settled into his chair. He picked up the file for the Ganga Heritage project.

"Ms. Vaidehi... I tried negotiating with you calmly, just like any other business deal, but you still refused. Now, I'll do whatever it takes to acquire that property. Legal or illegal, it doesn't matter now."

A dangerous smirk played on his lips as he leaned back in his chair.

---

The Next Evening , Lucknow International Airport

The airport glowed beneath the warm hues of the evening, its glass walls reflecting the fading sunlight. Beyond the wide windows, the sky melted into shades of peach and gold, while airplanes stood against the distant horizon.

The evening sun lingered a little longer, painting the airport in a warmth that made even goodbyes feel beautiful.

Myra stepped out of the airport, pulling her suitcase behind her. Dressed in white sweatpants and a matching tank top, she wore a blue checked shirt loosely over it, one side slipping off her shoulder. A white cap sat over her open hair, while a white mask and black sunglasses concealed her face, leaving only a glimpse of her identity as she walked ahead with effortless confidence.

She quickly pulled out her phone and dialled Vedika's number.

Vedika answered after two rings.

"Oye, detective sahiba, I'm at the airport right now. Come quickly!"

[Hey, Detective Madam, I'm at the airport right now. Come quickly!]

She didn't wait for a response and ended the call. Looking around, she exclaimed, "Ahh! Finally, after two years, I'm back in India!"

She removed her mask and sunglasses just as her stomach growled loudly.

Pouting, she rubbed her stomach "Don't worry, baby. Jab tak Vedika aaye, tab tak hum convenience store chalte hain kuch snacks grab karne ke liye."

[Don't worry, baby. Until Vedika arrives, let's go to the convenience store and grab some snacks.]

Myra stepped out of the convenience store, holding a soft drink and a packet of chips. She sat on one of the chairs outside and began eating, thoroughly enjoying her snacks.

Meanwhile, Vedika stepped out of her car. She wore a simple white T-shirt paired with light blue denim jeans, with a light beige sweater casually draped over her shoulders. Sunglasses covered her eyes.

She looked around for Myra, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Vedika returned to her car and leaned against it as she typed a message "Where are you? I'm outside the airport."

She tapped Send.

Myra stood up from her chair and stopped by the roadside to check Vedika's message. She quickly typed back "Wait for me there. I was just at the convenience store."

As she busied herself with texting on sidewalk. Atharav walked past her from behind. His shoulder collided sharply with her back, sending a sudden jolt through her that threw her forward and knocked the phone right out of her hand.

She sat on the ground, checking her phone, then glanced at him. He was already walking away, his hands in his pockets, without even looking back or acknowledging what had happened.

"Iski toh main..."

[Just you wait...]

Myra slipped her phone into her pocket and walked towards him. She grabbed his coat from behind, making him turn around in shock.

"What the hell?" he said, looking at her in confusion.

"Abey oh, andhe ho kya? Ek toh mera bechara phone gira diya, aur upar se chupchaap aise ja rahe ho bina sorry kahe?"

[Hey, are you blind? First, you knock my poor phone to the ground, and then you just walk away without even apologising?]

She raised her voice.

Atharav raised an eyebrow and quickly adjusted his coat.

"Toh ismein meri galti hai ki tumhara phone gira? Road par dhyaan diya jaata hai, madam."

[So it's my fault that your phone fell? You're supposed to pay attention to the road, madam.]

Myra let out a humourless chuckle "Woah, the audacity! Matlab, sirf andhe hone ke saath-saath akal se bhi paidal ho... dhakka tumne mujhe diya aur blame mujhe kar rahe ho!"

[Woah, the audacity! So, not only are you blind, but you're also stupid. You were the one who bumped into me, and now you're blaming me!]

Atharav made a face, looking at her as if she'd just started speaking an entirely different language.

"Ho gaya tumhara?" he asked impatiently.

[Are you done?]

Myra blinked "Excuse me?"

"Bas itna hi drama baaki tha ya aur bhi kuch hai?"

[Was that all the drama you had left, or is there more?]

"Oh, toh tumhe drama lag raha hai?" She nodded, an exaggerated smile spreading across her face "Ek kaam karo, apne kaan bhi check karwa lo. Shayad aankhon ke saath sunne ki shakti bhi khatam ho gayi hai."

[Oh, so you think this is drama? Do one thing. Get your ears checked, too. Maybe you've lost your ability to hear along with your eyesight.]

Atharav let out a disbelieving laugh "Are you always this irritating, or am I just lucky today?"

"Awww. Dekho toh, bolna bhi aata hai tumhe! Mujhe laga tha Bhagwan ne tumhe sirf shakal aur akad dekar bhej diya."

[Awww. Look at that, you can talk, too! I thought God had sent you into this world with nothing but a handsome face and an attitude.]

"Well, I know I'm handsome, but you have no chance with me, so listen, woman" His voice carried an air of confidence.

"Agar tumhare jaise ko handsome bolte hain, toh duniya mein asli handsome logon ka akaal pad gaya hai" Myra scoffed, looking him up and down.

[If someone like you is considered handsome, then the world must be running out of genuinely handsome men.]

"Aur rahi baat chance ki, toh apni shakal dekhne ke baad bhi tumhe lagta hai ki mujhe tum mein interest hoga? Tsk, tsk... delusion ki bhi koi limit hoti hai, mister! Tumse toh meri jooti bhi impress nahi hogi. Aa gaye bade!"

[And as for having a chance with you, even after looking at yourself, you still think I'd be interested in you? Tsk, tsk... even delusion has its limits, mister! Not even my shoe would be impressed by you. Look at you, acting all high and mighty!]

Atharav's confident smirk faltered for a second "Mujhe tumhe impress karne ka koi shauk bhi nahi hai. And you know what? I don't have time for this nonsense," he scoffed.

[I have absolutely no interest in impressing you. And you know what? I don't have time for this nonsense.]

"Good! Mera bhi tum jaise namoone se baat karke IQ girane ka koi shauk nahi hai."

[Good! I have no interest in lowering my IQ by talking to a specimen like you, either.]

"Then stop talking!"

"Tum pehle chup hue the kya?"

[Were you the one who stopped talking first?]

Atharav opened his mouth, only to close it again.

Myra nodded sympathetically.

"Koi nahi. Practice karo. Ek din comeback karna bhi seekh jaoge. Aur sorry tumhare chacha aake bolenge?"

[It's okay. Keep practising. One day, you'll learn how to come up with a comeback, too. And who else is going to apologise for you? Your uncle?]

Atharav looked at her with eyes that clearly showed he was already done with her. He sighed and rubbed his temple "Whatever... Sorry."

He gave her an absolutely fake smile.

Myra grinned and put on her sunglasses with a flourish "Good for you."

Before he could respond, she turned around and walked away, leaving him standing there with an expression that could only be described as pure disbelief.

Just as she had taken a few steps away, Myra suddenly turned back, sliding her sunglasses down her nose to look at him.

"Aur haan!" she called out, pointing a finger at him "Dobara dikh mat jaana tum! Abhi toh easily jaane de rahi hoon, because my jigar ka tukda is waiting for me, aur main usse zyada der intezaar nahi karwa sakti."

[And one more thing! Don't let me see you again! I'm letting you go easily this time because my precious best friend is waiting for me, and I can't keep her waiting any longer.]

She shot him a smug smile before putting her sunglasses back on "Samjhe, handsome "

Without waiting for his reply, she turned around and walked away, leaving Atharav staring at her retreating figure in utter disbelief.

"Is she out of her mind?" he muttered, running a hand through his hair "Talking like I'm dying to meet her again."

He said the last part sarcastically before walking away.

Myra finally reached the airport exit, where Vedika was waiting for her.

Myra stopped a few feet away, her eyes softening. It had been two years since she had last seen her, and now, finally, they were meeting again.

Vedika glanced to the side and spotted Myra standing there. Her expression changed, and she quickly slipped her phone into her pocket.

Watching Myra's expression, Vedika opened her arms with a soft smile.

Without waiting, Myra ran towards her and hugged her tightly. Vedika wrapped her arms around her in return.

For a minute, neither of them said anything. They simply held each other, their eyes closed, feeling the reality of finally being together again.

Vedika slowly pulled back and looked at Myra "Kaisi hai?"

[How are you?]

Myra's eyes glistened, but she blinked, trying her best to stop her tears from falling."How can I be without you? Tu bata, tu kaisi hai?"

[How could I possibly be okay without you? You tell me, how are you?]

"How can I be without you? You're still the same, crying like this." Vedika brushed away the tears falling from Myra's eyes, tears she hadn't even realised were there.

They both laughed together, a genuine laugh that came straight from their hearts.

"Ye kya haal bana rakha hai tune? Khaana-waana nahi khaati hai kya tu?" Myra looked her up and down.

[Look at the state you've let yourself get into! Don't you eat properly or what?]

"Bol toh aise rahi hai jaise khud bahut healthy ho rakhi hai na."

Myra rolled her eyes " Atleast I'm looking more healthy than you"

Vedika shook her head, knowing it would be better to simply admit that, yes, Myra looked healthier than her.

Vedika settled into the driver's seat, while Myra took the passenger seat.

"Yaar, before going home, let's go somewhere to eat because I'm very hungry. Agar maine jaldi kuch nahi khaaya, toh meri haalat kharaab ho jaayegi, for sure" Myra spoke impatiently, tapping her thigh.

"Haan, haan, wahi ja rahe hain," Vedika replied, glancing at her.

After a few minutes, Vedika pulled her car to a stop in front of a small restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner of the city.

Myra glanced outside, then at Vedika, a smile slowly spreading across her face.

"OH MY GOD! Tu mujhe yahan laayi hai?"

Vedika chuckled as she unfastened her seat belt "Ab utregi bhi ya poori raat gaadi mein hi baithne ka plan hai?"

Myra practically jumped out of the car, grabbing her bag before looking at the restaurant again.

It wasn't one of those fancy places with glass walls and expensive interiors. The entrance was simple, with warm yellow lights glowing above the wooden door. A few potted plants stood near the entrance, and through the windows, she could see wooden tables, familiar photographs hanging on the walls, and people talking over their meals.

It felt warm. Familiar. Just the way she remembered it.

The moment they stepped inside, the familiar aroma of freshly prepared food greeted them.

"Arre, Vedika bitiya!" the man at the counter exclaimed, his face lighting up at the sight of her "Kitne din baad aayi ho!"

Vedika smiled warmly "Namaste, uncle. Bas, thoda busy thi."

"Achha, achha. Aur ye kaun hai tumhare saath?"

Before Vedika could answer, Myra stepped forward dramatically.

"Uncle, main hoon Myra. Iski best friend, personal headache, aur iski life ki sabse important insaan. Aapne shayad mujhe nahi dekha hoga, but main bhi yahan aaya karti thi."

[Uncle, I'm Myra. Her best friend, personal headache, and the most important person in her life. You might not have seen me, but I used to come here, too.]

Vedika turned to look at her "Khud hi apni tareef karni hai toh kam se kam kuch achha toh bol le."

"Jealousy doesn't look good on you, darling."

The older man laughed at their exchange "Achha hai, achha hai. Tum dono saath aayi ho toh aaj khaana bhi achhe se khaana. Vedika toh aajkal aati hi nahi."

[That's good, that's good. Since you two have come together, make sure you eat well today. Vedika hardly ever comes here these days.]

"Ab aa gayi hoon na, uncle," Vedika replied with a smile.

She led Myra towards their usual table near the window. Myra immediately dropped into her chair, placing her bag beside her.

"God, I've missed this place!"

Vedika settled into the seat opposite her "Restaurant ko ya mujhe?"

Myra looked at her for a moment before grinning "Khaane ko."

Vedika stared at her and raised an eyebrow.

Myra burst out laughing "AREY! Obviously, tujhe bhi, pagal"

"Very funny."

"Thank you. I know."

A waiter approached them with two glasses of water and a familiar smile "Bataiye, madam. Aaj kya laayein?"

[Tell me, madam. What shall I bring you today?]

Vedika glanced at Myra "Madam ko pehle menu do. Do saal baad aayi hai, kahin poora restaurant hi order na kar de."

[Give madam the menu first. She's back after two years; she might end up ordering the entire restaurant.]

Myra immediately snatched the menu from his hand "Don't tempt me. I'm genuinely capable of doing that right now."

Vedika shook her head, watching her with an affectionate smile.

Some things really hadn't changed.

Myra was still the same dramatic, food-loving girl she'd known for years. And sitting across from her again, listening to her endless chatter, Vedika realised just how much she'd missed having her around.

For the first time in two years, the distance between them didn't feel so long anymore.

Soon, their table was filled with steaming plates of food. The moment the waiter placed the last dish on the table, Myra's eyes lit up.

"Finally! Ab aaya hai zindagi mein sukoon."

[Finally! Now there's some peace in my life.]

Vedika laughed, picking up her spoon "Bhukkad kahin ki. Do minute aur wait nahi kar sakti thi?"

[You glutton! Couldn't you wait another two minutes?]

"Nahi. Aur waise bhi, pyaar apni jagah hai, khaana apni jagah."

[No. Besides, love has its own place, and food has its own.]

"Achha? Toh main kis jagah hoon?"

[Really? Then where do I stand?]

Myra paused, pretending to think "Tu khaane ke baad."

Vedika narrowed her eyes. Myra burst into laughter.

Vedika shook her head and began eating, already regretting the decision to bring her best friend to her favourite restaurant.

For the next few minutes, their conversation revolved around food, with Myra enthusiastically praising every other bite while Vedika occasionally reminded her to slow down.

Between mouthfuls, Myra told her about the journey, the flight, and how she'd nearly fallen asleep while waiting at the airport.

"And then," Myra continued, reaching for her glass of water, "meri life mein entry hui ek namoone ki."

[And then, a complete specimen made his grand entry into my life.]

Vedika looked up "Kiski?"

"Ek pagal aadmi ki! Matlab, tujhe yakeen nahi hoga maine aaj kya jhela hai."

[A crazy man! I mean, you won't believe what I had to put up with today.]

Vedika rested her spoon against the edge of her plate, giving her friend her full attention "Achha, bata. Ab kya kar diya tune?"

[Alright, tell me. What have you done now?]

Myra's mouth fell open "MAINE?! Main kya karungi? Galti uski thi!"

Vedika pressed her lips together to hide her smile "Achha baba, uski galti thi. Ab bata bhi."

[Alright, alright, it was his fault. Now tell me what happened.]

Myra leaned forward, clearly waiting for the opportunity to tell her entire story.

"Toh main airport se bahar aa rahi thi, phir mujhe bhookh lagi toh convenience store mein chali gayi. Aur jab main sidewalk par tujhe text kar rahi thi, toh woh banda seedha mujhse takra gaya! Mera phone neeche gir gaya. Aur mister ko dekho! Ek toh dhakka maar diya, upar se bina sorry bole aise nikal raha tha jaise road uske baap ki ho!"

[So, I was coming out of the airport when I got hungry and went into a convenience store. When I was texting you on the sidewalk, that guy walked straight into me! My phone fell to the ground. And just look at that mister! First, he bumps into me, and then he walks away without apologising, as if he owns the road!]

Vedika nodded slowly, listening "Phir?"

"PHIR KYA? Maine uska coat pakda aur poochha ki andhe ho kya! Toh ulta mujhe bolta hai ki road par dhyaan dena chahiye."

[WHAT ELSE? I grabbed his coat and asked him if he was blind! And then he had the nerve to tell me that I should pay attention to the road.]

Vedika lowered her gaze to her plate, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Yeah, this was typical Myra behaviour.

Two years apart, and her best friend was still picking fights with complete strangers.

Myra, meanwhile, was too busy reliving the incident to notice Vedika's expression "Phir usne mujhe bola ki main irritating hoon! Can you believe that? ME! Irritating! Woah!"

[Then he called me irritating! Can you believe that? ME! Irritating! Unbelievable!]

This time, Vedika couldn't hold back her laughter.

Myra immediately glared at her "Excuse me? Tumhe ismein kya funny lag raha hai?"

"Nothing," Vedika replied, trying to compose herself"Tu aage bata."

Myra narrowed her eyes suspiciously before continuing "Toh maine bhi usse suna diya. Aur pata hai usne kya kaha?"

[So I gave him a piece of my mind, too. And do you know what he said?]

"Kya?"

"He said he was handsome and that I had no chance with him!"

Vedika stopped chewing. For a second, she simply stared at Myra.

Then she burst out laughing "WHAT?!"

"I KNOW!" Myra slapped her palm against the table, earning a curious glance from the next table. She lowered her voice, but her outrage remained intact "Matlab, bhai, kisne poochha tha tujhse? Apne aap ko samajhta kya hai? Hrithik Roshan ka lost twin?"

[I KNOW! I mean, bro, who even asked you? Who does he think he is? Hrithik Roshan's long-lost twin?]

Vedika laughed so hard that she had to put her spoon down "Myra, please!"

"No, you listen to me! Aage maine usse bola ki agar tumhare jaise ko handsome bolte hain na, toh duniya mein asli handsome logon ka akaal pad gaya hai."

[Then I told him that if someone like him is considered handsome, the world must be running out of genuinely handsome men.]

Vedika wiped the corner of her eye, still laughing "Toh tune usse ye sab bol diya?"

"Of course! Aur kya karti? Uski aarti utaarti?"

"God, I missed you, and I'm proud of you" The words slipped out between her laughter.

Myra fell quiet for a moment. Vedika's smile softened as she looked at her best friend across the table.

"I really missed you, Myra."

Myra's expression changed. She reached across the table and squeezed Vedika's hand.

"I missed you too, idiot. Aur tujhe tujhse bahut zyada miss kiya hai."

For a brief moment, neither of them said anything.

Then Myra cleared her throat dramatically "Anyway, emotional reunion over. Ab meri baat sun. Usne sorry bhi aise bola jaise mujh par koi ehsaan kar raha ho!"

[Anyway, emotional reunion over. Now listen to me. Even his apology sounded as if he were doing me a favour!]

Vedika laughed again, shaking her head "And you let him go?"

Myra gasped "Vedika! Main koi criminal hoon jo usse kidnap kar leti?"

"Oh, you can absolutely do that when I'm with you," Vedika replied with a wink.

"Yeah, and I just thought ki he doesn't know about us yet, so I let him go. Otherwise, akal thikane lagana humse behtar kaun jaanta hai?"

[Yeah, and I just thought that he doesn't know about us yet, so I let him go. Otherwise, who knows better than us how to teach someone a lesson?]

Somewhere between the dramatic storytelling, the exaggerated hand gestures, and the endless complaints about a man whose name she hadn't even bothered to remember properly, Vedika felt the last traces of awkwardness between them disappear.

It was as if those two years had never happened.

And as Myra launched into yet another complaint about the arrogant stranger, Vedika settled back in her chair, ready to listen.

Because apparently, meeting her best friend after two years also meant getting an entire report about every unfortunate soul who had crossed her path.

And knowing Myra, this was only the beginning.

---

After dinner, the two made their way back to the car, still chatting about random things.

Myra settled into the passenger seat, fastening her seat belt before turning towards Vedika "Achha sun, ek baat bolni thi."

"Hmm, bol."

"Main kuch din tere ghar par rahungi. Jab tak mera apartment properly settle nahi ho jaata."

[I'll stay at your house for a few days until my apartment is properly set up.]

Vedika glanced at her before starting the car "Toh poochh kyun rahi hai? Tera hi ghar hai."

[Then why are you asking? It's your home, too.]

Myra smiled, leaning back against the seat "Bas check kar rahi thi ki meri best friend abhi bhi mujhe tolerate kar sakti hai ya nahi."

[I was just checking whether my best friend can still tolerate me.]

"Honestly? Mujhe bhi nahi pata. Airport ki teri harkatein sunkar doubt hone laga hai."

[Honestly? Even I don't know. After hearing about your antics at the airport, I'm beginning to have doubts.]

Myra gasped "Excuse me! Woh sab uss pagal aadmi ki galti thi."

[Excuse me! All of that was that crazy man's fault.]

"Of course, madam. Teri kabhi galti ho bhi kaise sakti hai?"

[Of course, madam. How could anything ever be your fault?]

"Exactly! Ab samajh aaya tujhe "

Vedika shook her head, a small smile appearing on her face as she drove towards home.

A little while later, the car stopped in front of a large house. Myra unfastened her seat belt and looked out of the window.

The house stood in complete darkness, its tall windows reflecting the faint streetlights. There were no warm lights glowing behind the curtains, no signs of life from within. Even the entrance looked uninviting, as though the house had been left untouched for far too long.

Myra's smile faded slightly.

She glanced at Vedika, who was already getting out of the car.

Without saying anything, Myra followed her inside.

The moment Vedika opened the door, darkness swallowed them.

She reached for the switch and turned on the entrance light. A dim yellow glow fell across the spacious living room, revealing neatly arranged furniture, dark curtains, and an almost unsettling stillness.

Everything was in its place. And yet, something about the house felt missing.

Myra stood near the entrance, looking around.

Then she let out a sigh "Jaisi khud hai, waise hi is ghar ka haal bana rakha hai."

[Just like herself, she's let this house end up in the same state.]

Vedika turned towards her "Excuse me?"

Myra walked past her, already heading towards the living room.

"Kuch nahi. Bas soch rahi hoon ki itne bade ghar mein ek insaan reh raha hai ya koi bhootni [ghost]."

"Toh mat reh yahan. Gate khula hai."

"Abey, main do saal baad aayi hoon! Do minute toh pyaar se baat kar le."

"Do minute se zyada ho gaye. Ab jaa sakti hai."

Vedika crossed her arms over her chest.

Myra rolled her eyes "Bhagwan, itni kadwi zubaan di hai toh thoda sa gud bhi de dete ise."

[God, if You gave her such a bitter tongue, You could've given her a little sweetness, too.]

Despite herself, Vedika let out a quiet laugh.

Myra noticed it but didn't comment. Instead, she began moving around the room, pulling open the curtains and switching on the lamps one by one.

Warm light gradually spread through the living room.

She adjusted a cushion on the sofa, picked up a magazine lying on the coffee table, and placed it neatly on the shelf.

Then she turned towards Vedika "Waise, tu itne bade ghar mein akele rehti hai. Tujhe darr nahi lagta?"

[By the way, you live alone in such a huge house. Don't you get scared?]

Vedika leaned against the doorway, watching her "Kis baat ka?"

"Pata nahi. Raat ko koi awaaz aa jaaye toh? Koi bhoot aa jaaye toh?"

"Usse bolungi rent de aur reh lo yaha. Waise bhi, main yahan zyada time nahi reh paati."

Myra stared at her for a second. Then she burst out laughing "Tu sudhar nahi sakti!"

"Tu bhi toh nahi sudhri."

Myra grinned before walking towards the kitchen "Achha, main paani lene ja rahi hoon. Tujhe chahiye?"

"Nahi."

"Sure?"

"Haan."

"Thik hai. Phir baad mein mat bolna ki meri best friend kitni buri hai, paani tak nahi poochha."

[Fine. Then don't complain later about how terrible your best friend is for not even offering you water.]

Vedika shook her head, watching her disappear into the kitchen. For a few moments, she remained where she was.

The sound of cupboard doors opening and closing drifted from the kitchen, followed by Myra muttering something about the ridiculous placement of the glasses.

It was strange how quickly the silence had disappeared.

Vedika looked around the living room.

The lamps were on. The curtains were open. The cushions had been rearranged, and the room no longer looked quite as lifeless as it had a few minutes ago.

Nothing significant had changed. And yet, the house felt different.

"VEDIKA!"

She closed her eyes briefly "Ab kya hua?"

"Tere ghar mein khaane ke liye kuch hota bhi hai ya nahi? Ek dhang ka biscuit tak nahi hai!"

[Is there even anything to eat in your house? You don't even have a decent biscuit!]

"Toh khaana khaakar aayi thi na abhi?"

Myra appeared at the kitchen entrance, holding a glass of water "Because I was hungry then! Ab mujhe chai ke saath kuch khaane ka mann kar raha hai."

[Because I was hungry then! Now I feel like having something to eat with my tea.]

Vedika stared at her "Tu insaan hai ya black hole?"

Myra took a sip of water "Jealous mat ho. Metabolism kehte hain ise."

Vedika laughed, finally pushing herself away from the doorway "Chal, mere room mein chal. Tera samaan bhi rakhna hai."

Myra followed her upstairs, her gaze occasionally wandering around the house.

After a moment, she spoke again, her voice quieter this time "Waise, Vedika..."

"Hmm?"

"I'm glad I'm here."

Vedika slowed down slightly.

Myra looked at her with a small smile "Bas. Aise hi bolna tha."

For once, Vedika didn't have a sarcastic reply ready.

She simply looked at her friend for a moment before turning towards the stairs again "Pagal."

Myra smiled to herself."Your favourite one."

And this time, Vedika didn't disagree.

---

Mahir rushed into Adhvik's cabin. Adhvik looked up from his laptop.

"What happened, Mahir?"

"Sir, I have some very important information, and believe me, you'll be so pleased that you'll want to reward me."

He leaned against the table with a smile.

Adhvik raised an eyebrow.

"Bologe?"

"So, the thing is, Vedika Rathore and Vinay Malhotra were present at Velvet Noir Club last night, at the same time as us."

Adhvik's hand paused over the keyboard.

"They were there with four members of Mr. Sharma's team. They had gone there to arrest Ranveer, the drug dealer. Unfortunately, none of us could see any of their faces because they had them all covered."

Adhvik remained silent for a moment before standing up from his chair and rolling up his shirt sleeves. A smirk played on his lips.

"Interesting, isn't it? Good job, Mahir. As for your reward, you can leave early today."

Mahir's face lit up "Really, sir? You aren't kidding, right?"

"For now, no. But if you don't leave, I'll take it back" Adhvik picked up the glass from his table and took a sip.

"No, no! There's absolutely no need to take it back. Have a very good night, sir, and sweet dreams!" Mahir quickly left, still grinning.

Adhvik walked towards the window, looking at the city glowing in the darkness as a smirk formed on his lips.

"So, Ms. Vedika Rathore, we've finally met... indirectly."

"Because I'm sure the woman I bumped into was you. Your face was covered, and your outfit matches. And then there was that fight. It has to be you. And was that Vinay Malhotra who came to her at the end?" He questioned himself.

"Is baar mulaqat sirf aankhon se hui, par koi baat nahi. Agli baar achhe se mulaqat hogi Ms. Rathore." he tilted his neck to one side.

[This time, we only met through our eyes, but that's alright. Next time, we'll have a proper meeting.]

His smirk deepened as he turned back towards his desk.

This time, he wasn't going to let his curiosity go unanswered.