| 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 |
Esha Roy and Reyansh Raichand are drawn back together to solve a haunting cold case from four years ago. As they hunt a brutal serial killer, their tangled past threatens to unravel. Can they solve the case and mend their broken...
"RETURNING WAS NEVER ABOUT JUST REVISITING A PLACE—IT WAS ABOUT FACING THE GHOSTS OF WHO I USED TO BE."
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CIB HEADQUATER, MUMBAI
Esha Roy stepped out of the CIB headquarters, her thoughts swirling like the bustling Mumbai streets around her. The city had embraced her with its familiar chaos, but it was also a stark reminder of everything she had left behind. The office, once a sanctuary, now felt like a labyrinth of memories she wasn't sure she was ready to navigate.
The air was thick with humidity, a sharp contrast to the cool, crisp London climate she had grown accustomed to. As Esha walked to the nearby café, she couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the sensory overload—the honking of taxis, the chatter of street vendors, and the ever-present aroma of spicy street food. It was both comforting and disorienting, like stepping into a world that was both familiar and alien.
The café was a small, cozy place she used to frequent. It had not changed much over the years, and its familiarity provided a small measure of solace. Esha ordered her usual—a masala chai and a samosa—before settling into a corner booth by the window. The café had a warm, inviting atmosphere, a stark contrast to the cold, impersonal environment of the CIB headquarters.
As she sipped her chai and nibbled on her samosa, Esha's mind wandered back to her time in the CIB and, inevitably, to Reyansh. Their partnership had been one of the most intense and rewarding experiences of her career, marked by late-night investigations, shared triumphs, and the ever-present undercurrent of unspoken affection.
The last year before her departure had been a whirlwind of emotion and confusion. The day of the misunderstanding, she had been working late on a case, her mind occupied with the mounting evidence. When she had received the news of Reyansh's supposed infidelity, it had shattered her world. She had confronted him in a fit of anger and heartbreak, only to have him deny everything vehemently.
Esha had felt betrayed not just by Reyansh but by her own judgment. The idea that he could have used her, that their relationship had been nothing more than a convenience, was too painful to accept. The decision to leave for London had been a way to escape the painful reminders and start anew.
As she finished her chai, her phone buzzed with a message from Priya. "Dinner tonight? We've got a lot to catch up on."
Esha smiled at the text. Priya had always been a beacon of support, and spending time with her would be a welcome distraction. She replied with a quick, "Yes, looking forward to it."
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RESTAURANT LILY, MUMBAI
The evening came quickly, and Esha found herself at a bustling restaurant with Priya. The place was lively, filled with the chatter of diners and the clinking of glasses. Priya was already there, her face lighting up when she saw Esha.
"Esha! Over here!" Priya called, waving her over.
Esha joined her friend, and they embraced warmly. Priya had not changed much—her vibrant personality and infectious laughter were as comforting as ever.
"It's so good to see you," Esha said, taking her seat. "I've missed this."
"I've missed you too," Priya replied, her eyes filled with genuine affection. "How's London? I see you're still drinking chai like a true Mumbaikar."
Esha laughed. "Some habits die hard. London's been good, but it's not the same as home. It's funny how you don't realize what you miss until you're away."
Priya nodded, her expression turning thoughtful. "So, how's it been coming back? I know it's not easy."
"It's strange," Esha admitted. "Everything feels familiar, yet so different. I'm looking forward to working on the case, but there's also a lot of unresolved stuff from the past."
Priya's eyes softened with understanding. "I can imagine. Reyansh's been through a lot since you left. He's still dedicated to the work, but... well, it hasn't been easy for him either."
Esha's heart tightened at the mention of Reyansh. "I just hope we can focus on the case and not let personal issues get in the way."
"Absolutely," Priya agreed. "But remember, it's okay to acknowledge what happened. You both need closure, whether you realize it or not."
The conversation shifted to lighter topics as they ordered their food and enjoyed the evening. They reminisced about old times, shared updates about mutual friends, and laughed about their shared experiences. For a few hours, Esha was able to push aside her worries and simply enjoy being in the company of someone who knew her so well.
As the evening drew to a close, Priya walked Esha to her car. "Let's catch up again soon. We need to talk more about this case and everything else."
"I'd like that," Esha said, smiling. "Thanks for tonight, Priya."
"No problem. Take care, and remember, you're not alone in this," Priya said, giving Esha a reassuring hug.
Esha drove back to her apartment, the city lights reflecting off the wet streets, creating a shimmering effect that was both beautiful and melancholy. The conversations she had with Priya had provided some relief, but the reality of facing Reyansh and the case loomed ahead.
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ESHA'S APARTMENT, MUMBAI
Back at her apartment, Esha tried to focus on her preparation for the next day's work. She reviewed the case files, studying the details and piecing together the information. It was a way to distract herself from the emotional weight she carried, a way to immerse herself in the task at hand.
As she worked late into the night, her thoughts frequently drifted to Reyansh. She wondered what he would say, how he had changed, and how they would manage to work together. The unresolved feelings between them were like an undercurrent, threatening to surface at any moment.
Eventually, exhaustion overcame her, and Esha decided to call it a night. She prepared for bed, her mind still racing with thoughts of the past and the challenges of the future. The familiarity of her London apartment seemed distant now, replaced by the reality of Mumbai and the complexities of her past.
As she lay in bed, she found herself staring at the ceiling, her mind replaying memories of her time with Reyansh. She remembered the good times—the laughter, the camaraderie, and the way he made her feel. But she also remembered the pain, the heartbreak, and the reasons she had left.
Esha knew that returning to India and working with Reyansh again would be a test of her emotional strength. She had to confront the past, face her feelings, and find a way to move forward. The journey ahead was uncertain, but she was determined to approach it with the same resolve and dedication that had marked her career.
As she drifted off to sleep, Esha hoped that the coming days would bring clarity and resolution. She knew that only by facing the past could she truly move forward, and she was ready to confront whatever lay ahead.
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Word count: 1.2k
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Here's the second chapter, everyone!
Thank you all for the love and support you've shown for the first chapter—I'm truly grateful! ❤️
