53

As expected, I wasn't able to change his mind. His decisions were like words engraved on the stone -full and final, you cannot erase them.

The morning light tiptoed through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room. It was the kind of light that whispered secrets—promises of a new day or perhaps a farewell to the old. I put the novel I was reading down; its pages were worn out. My gaze flickered to Advik, who sat silently working on his laptop at the study table. His brows were furrowed slightly as he focused on the work. In all this, I couldn’t help but stare at him. His tousled hair, the way his jaw clenched when he solved the problem- he was captivating.

“Stop looking at me like that,” he said without glancing up. His voice held a hint of amusement, and his eyes softened when they met mine across the room. “You’re going back, Ria.”

Then, he went back to his work. I clenched my fists, the anger spreading in my veins like wildfire. “No. I’m not. Not without you.”

The room seemed to hold its breath, caught between our stubbornness. He finally looked up, his eyes searching mine. His jaw tightened, and for a moment, vulnerability and maybe fear flickered.

“Ria, try to understand,” he said, his voice low. “You are not safe here.”

“You are neither,” I shot back, crossing the room to stand near him. I put my hand on his shoulder, pleading silently with my eyes. “Please, let me stay.”

Leaning back in his chair, he let out a deep breath, avoiding my gaze. “No. You are going.”

I pursed my lips, my grip on his shoulder tightening. “I said I won’t.”

"You will."

"No."

His eyes roamed my appearance, and he smirked, "Did I mention you look gorgeous?"

I crossed my arms, the blush spreading on my cheeks by his gaze and words.

"Don't change the topic," I spoke, trying to gain my composure.

His chair swirled toward me, and suddenly, I was on his lap. My hands instinctively went to hold his collar, adjusting myself. His breath brushed my face, stirring something within.

“You know you can’t win this argument,” he muttered, his lips dangerously close to mine.

I gulped; my gaze unwavering. “No, this time I’ll win.”

He sighed, and leaned back, his gaze falling on the bracelet he gave me a few days ago, his thumb tracing it on my wrist. “You are so stubborn.”

“And you’ve earned a Ph.D. in stubbornness,” I retorted.

The corner of his lips turned upward. “Since you know that, stop competing with me.”

“Who knows?” I whispered. “Maybe I’ll win.”

His touch lingered on the bracelet, a silent plea as he looked at me, “You matter to me more than anything. Please, just listen to me once.”

I placed my hands on his cheeks, willing him to understand. “I don’t want you to get involved in this. Leave it. Let’s go back home.”

He shook his head, “Weren’t you the one who used to say, 'I don’t leave anything incomplete?'”

“But sometimes we have to leave things for our own good. If these things are going to destroy your world you have to let them go, before they turn you into ashes.”

“You think these people would stop after you cease the investigation?” He said, like trying to make me understand something, “They won't stay quiet. They'll continue to haunt you because you possess evidence against them. I have dealt with these kinds of people before; they won’t let you live peacefully. I have to do something.”

“No. Please,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “I don’t want to lose you. If something happens to you, I won’t be able to forgive myself. I can’t live without you.”

His eyes softened, and he brushed his thumb across my cheek. “Nothing will happen to me. Just give me a few days. I’ll be back there.”

“Ok Then,” I insisted, meeting his eyes, “I’m staying with you in these few days. I won’t go back without you.”

“Cheriè,” he murmured, using the endearment that always weakened my defenses. “Trust me.”

“I trust you,” I said, my fingers tracing the line of his jaw, “but stop being Mr. Rude. He never used to listen to me.”

He chuckled a low sound that sounded like a melody in the room. “You miss him?”

A smile broke on my lips, and I opened my mouth to speak but then his phone started ringing flashing Ayan’s name on his screen.

“I’ll be back in a second.” He said, and I nodded my head getting up on my feet.

As he went outside, I went towards the large balcony and inhaled deeply. The cool breeze caressed my face. I stood there, gazing at Advik who was speaking with Ayan. After some time, he said goodbye and started making his way inside. Upon sensing something in the room, I turned around but found no one.

Thinking that it might be my imagination, I went inside his room, and collapsed on his bed, inhaling his scent from it.

Just then, my eyes fell on the yellow sticky note stuck on the lamp. It looked fresh- like someone had just stuck it here a moment ago. My heart raced and my eyes roamed the room to see if there was any danger. But No one was there.

I reached out, my fingers trembling, and read the words written there:

‘I see. You didn’t stop. Don’t worry, you’ll find every answer today. Come to the place written on the back of this note at 1.’

I flipped the note, and the address was written there. It wasn't too far away from the mansion. My eyes fell on the line just below the address where it was mentioned that I should come Alone and if they find someone else with me, then they won’t be hesitant to put an explosion device next time in place of this note.

Sweat started forming on my forehead as I read it again and again. The door of my room opened, and Advik walked in. I clutched the note in my fist, trying to hide it.

He smiled, but his smile flattered as he saw me, “Are you okay?”

I nodded, averting my gaze.

No. I shouldn’t hide things from him.

I have to tell him everything.

I looked at him, who was watching me with furrowed eyebrows trying to solve what was wrong with me. Then, I stood up and went to stand in front of him. Looking up in his blue eyes, I gulped and showed the note to him.

================================

The security of the mansion was tight. No one was allowed to even enter the mansion, let alone the room. Not even the maid and servants. They were prohibited.

Only Mahi, the maid who had been working here for the last 10 years, was allowed to step into the mansion, but she had been given a strict warning by Advik to not step into his room.

His room where I was staying.

Peering out of the window, I noticed an increase in the number of guards. Upon hearing this threat, Dhruv uncle was on his way back, but Advik assured him that I would be leaving in the evening, which somewhat eased his concern.

Little did I know, I had no intention of going anywhere.

Advik was still in the delusion that he could make me leave him so he could burn alone in this fire. I will die but not let its flame touch him. He doesn't have to fight with my demons. But he's too stubborn to understand that.

And about that note, I wasn’t going to that place. He would never let me step in the danger. Even though I was curious, I agreed with him and told myself I wouldn’t do anything stupid.

My life has become strange.

Everything seemed so scary.

It felt like a nightmare.

I hope this passes soon, and I wake up from this to back to my old life where I was a normal secretary, preparing Advik's schedule and coffees, living a peaceful life with Aaron and Grandma.

I exited my room and entered the kitchen, where the aroma of freshly kneaded dough filled the air. Mahi was skillfully rolling out a ball of dough on the counter, her hands moving with practiced ease. Flour dusted her fingers and forearms, and she looked up, her face lighting up with a warm smile.

I returned her smile and made my way to the fridge, the cool air brushing against my skin as I opened the door. I grabbed a water bottle, feeling the coldness on my fingertips. The chill water traveled from my throat to my stomach, spreading a refreshing coolness through my body.

As I put the bottle back, the sound of footsteps caught my attention. One of the watchman guards entered the kitchen, his expression serious.

“Mahi, your son is outside. He’s crying and saying he wants to meet you,” he said, glancing at me briefly before leaving.

“Wow. You have a son?” I asked, leaning on the kitchen counter, and shoving my hand into my frock pockets, my curiosity piqued. Mahi smiled warmly, her eyes softening as she washed her hands at the sink.

“Yes, he’s five years old. When he can’t stop crying, he sometimes comes into the mansion to meet me,” she explained, her voice filled with maternal affection.

I smiled, “I think I should meet him too.”

“Yes. He’s going to love you.”

“Can you call him inside?” I asked, my voice tinged with curiosity. I noticed a flicker of something in Mahi’s eyes—hesitation, perhaps—but she quickly masked it with a smile and a shake of her head.

“No. He won’t come. He doesn’t like it here,” she said, her tone gentle yet firm. She turned and made her way towards the doorway.

“Okay,” I nodded, accepting her response. I followed her, but not before grabbing some chocolates from the fridge to give to her son. The cool metal of the fridge handle contacted my skin, leaving a cool tingling sensation.

As we stepped outside, the guards immediately became alert, their eyes tracking my every move. The fresh morning air filled my lungs, making me inhale more deeply.

On our way, I saw Ayan walking towards us, it looked like he had just reached here, his brows furrowed with tension as he gazed into the mobile. He looked up, and his eyes widened in surprise upon seeing me.

“Ria? Why are you out?” he asked, his voice a mix of confusion and worry.

“I just wanted some fresh air. Plus, Mahi’s son is outside. I want to see him,” I explained, trying to sound casual.

He nodded hesitantly, clearly unsure about my decision. “Okay.”

Then he turned to Mahi, his gaze scrutinizing. “You are Mahi?”

I noticed Mahi pale and look down, her demeanor shifting. She nodded. For a moment, I thought I saw fear flash across her face. Maybe she’s just scared of Ayan, I thought.

She quickly turned and started walking away. I gave Ayan a reassuring nod, and he managed a small smile. Before I could walk away, he reached out and held my wrist.

“Since you are leaving soon, I am going to miss you,” he said, pulling me into an awkward hug. It was unexpected, and I felt a mix of emotions—confusion, warmth, and something else I couldn’t quite place. He's a nice person but we haven't had any great and friendly conversation. He's always busy with all the investigation things that I never got time to know him.

As he hugged me, I felt him slip something into the pocket of my frock. It was a subtle move, but it left me wondering if it was just my imagination.

Breaking the hug, Ayan pulled away and made his way inside, leaving me to follow Mahi along the winding pathways. The walk from the mansion to the main large steel gate felt like an eternity. The path was lined with meticulously trimmed hedges and blooming flowers, it did little comfort to the unease growing inside my chest.

As we approached the gate, the only guard standing there smiled warmly at me and moved to open the gates, the heavy steel creaking as they swung wide.

We stepped outside onto the deserted road, the morning air crisp and cool. My eyes scanned the empty street, searching for any sign of the boy. But he was nowhere to be found. The silence was unsettling, broken only by the distant chirping of birds.

I turned to Mahi, confusion spreading on my face. “Where’s he?”

Guilt flashed across her features, as she murmured, "I'm sorry."

My brows furrowed.

Before I could react, a cloth was pressed against my nose. The pungent scent filled my nostrils, and darkness quickly enveloped me. My vision blurred, and the world around me faded into oblivion as my eyes fluttered shut.