𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕

𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢'𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐰𝐧

Chapter Eight: Among Khatri's Pawn

As Gill stepped out of the shower, Vasisth turned her attention towards him, only to find him clad in just a towel. His well-built physique, a testament to hours spent at the gym, didn't faze Vasisth. His physical appearance was irrelevant; there were more pressing matters at hand.

"Uff, Rehmat, I know I'm handsome," he remarked casually while drying his hair.

"Rehan, instead of focusing on how to approach Khatri, we should concentrate on how to remain close to him and take him down," she said, her expression serious and determined, choosing to overlook his remark.

"Are you crazy? Stay with him and risk getting us killed?" Gill responded, pulling on his T-shirt.

"That's the only way to capture him, rather than just planning to be close," she retorted, frustration evident in her gestures.

Gill, now dressed in a T-shirt, looked at Vasisth incredulously. "Staying with Khatri? That's impossible, Rehmat. We can't just waltz into his inner circle without raising suspicions. It's a surefire way to get ourselves killed or worse."

Vasisth maintained her resolute stance. "Rehan, we've been playing by the rules, and where has that gotten us? We're always one step behind. Khatri is smart; he knows how to evade us. We need to change the game if we want to catch him."

He shook his head, unconvinced. "But staying close to him, risking our lives like that – it's a suicide mission. There has to be another way, a more strategic approach."

She sighed, understanding his concerns. "I get it, Rehan. It sounds crazy, but it might be the only way to gain his trust and capture him. We need to think outside the box, do something unexpected."

Gill narrowed his eyes at Vasisth, a sceptical smirk playing on his lips. "Weren't you and Raghav the ones always emphasizing playing by the rules? Now suddenly, we're throwing caution to the wind and diving headfirst into Khatri's den?"

Vasisth pressed her lips together and rolled her eyes, not meeting Gill's gaze. She nodded but then looked up at him and said, "Khatri has nurses and officials under his control. Infiltrating his inner circle might be the only way. There's also a delay in releasing the rest of his associates. Considering how enraged Khatri is, he won't hesitate to harm our nurses and the authorities he's holding hostage, and he might release sensitive information about our country. I suggested releasing a few of his associates before, but Khatri played it smart without reacting much. Now, it's time for us to pay our own game."

Gill's sceptical expression lingered, but a sense of concern began to replace the scepticism. "This is a dangerous game, Rehmat. We're risking lives, not just ours but innocent people too."

Gill nodded and said he would call Rafiq, knowing that, no matter how much he disliked Vasisth's intelligence, she always had valid points.

Rafiq came running, concern etched on his face. "Is everything alright?" he asked, his eyes scanning the room.

Gill, with his hands folded, nodded and looked at Rafiq and began to narrate Vasisth's plan. "We're in a tight spot, Rafiq. Khatri has hostages, including nurses and officials, and he's threatening to harm them. Rehmat believes going staying with him is the only way to get close, gain his trust, and capture him. It's risky, but we can't afford to lose more time. We need your help in making this plan work."

Rafiq shut his eyes briefly, absorbing the gravity of the situation. After a moment, he opened them, determination replacing the initial concern. "Be ready by tomorrow at 9," he stated firmly, fully committing to the plan.

Gill nodded in acknowledgement. "We appreciate your support, Rafiq. This won't be easy, but it's our best shot at getting to Khatri and protecting those hostages."

Rafiq, with a solemn expression, responded, "We'll make it work. Just ensure everyone involved is prepared for the risks. Khatri is cunning, and we can't afford any slip-ups."

Gill turned to Vasisth, a serious expression on his face. "This better work," he said firmly, "or instead of dealing with Khatri, I'll personally tie you upside down and unleash the mirchi ka dhua on you."

"What plan, Sirji?" Sukhlal Ji asked, looking at Gill, who appeared at the top of the stairs with Raman and Arjun.

"Oh, Sohail Ji will tell you over dinner with your Shahi paneer," he said, ushering the three of them downstairs.