KATHA

3 KALKI - DARE

Kisan burst into my office, his handsome face morphed into a mix of mock anger and genuine frustration. He was freshly bathed with his hair still damp, soaking the crisp collar of his white shirt. Even though it was the peak of noon, the sun was mellow and subtle golden rays filtered through the glass built of my office. The city was sprawled before me and behind me, the ocean was beginning to become a little restless. Monsoons were never pretty unless spent within the cozy confines of home and unlimited food. Sighing, I set the file aside on the table and leaning back into my chair, I placed my elbows on the arm rests and steepled my fingers.

Kiss sat right before me, his warm eyes attempting to murder me by the glare he thought was intimidating. I gave him a cool look which frustrated him further.

"You know, Kiki, I have half a mind to throw you into those woods and let you deal with that serial killer mess yourself."

I was amused. Kiss was a monk. He never lost his cool. That's why he was my spy and interrogator. Now he was flipping. The woods did him good. "Ah, but you're far better equipped to handle the wild than I am. I have complete faith in your survival skills."

He rolled his eyes, scowling playfully. "Survival skills ? More like 'getting into an early grave' skills."

"Getting into a pot more like. You'd be burned, not buried."

His eyes narrowed into slits, "Yeah, thanks for the input, you bastard."

I chuckled, "Anyways, Where's your sense of adventure ? Danger is what makes life interesting afterall."

He crossed his arms, a smirk curling his lips. He transformed in a second, from an enraged man to a pleased predator. "Interesting, huh ? Well, I hope you find it interesting when you're standing face to face with that crazy lady serial killer someday."

I waved a dismissive hand, "Oh, please. I'll simply charm my way out of danger. It's a rare gift."

He laughed, "Charm ? Being delusional isn't always the solution, you know ? So good luck with that."

I was about to tell him to fuck off when his smirk curved into a psychotic grin. "I didn't find the killer. But I did stumble upon something quite intriguing."

I leaned forward, my interest piqued. "Pray tell, what did you find that's worthy of your intrigue ?"

He grinned wider, "Oh, just a breathtaking woman, Kiki. An unreal creature. She looked like she stepped out of a painting."

I arched an eyebrow, my curiosity getting the better of me. At first the woman serial killer and now a mystery as pretty as a painting. "A breathtaking creature you say ? Now, Kiss, I'm almost tempted to accompany you on your next escapade."

He laughed, "Ah, but I doubt even your charms could win over this one. She's got a sharp tongue and an attitude to match. She lives with a man she introduced as her partner. I didn't see the signs of marriage though."

I leaned back in my chair, my eyes distant. Kiss was a tough nut. Except for Gazal, no woman caught his eyes and if the expression on his face was any indication, a visit to our new mystery would be worth it. "Sharp tongue, you say? Well, that does intrigue me."

"And yeah ? I think she's got a Mustang just like yours. If I didn't know better, I would've thought you were secretly getting freaky with the angel in devil's lair."

"This just keeps getting better."

"Well that's about it. Did you send Gaz off somewhere ? She's not home."

"She's taking her dues. Her last job was done in exchange for a day of shopping. You won't see her home by the last second. I won't be surprised if she came back with the entire Bombay Market." I got up, straightening my simple black suit. I was already late for a tea party with my beloved family. It's about time my heart and soul, Bulbul Samrat, knew who held the power.