Reshimbandh~Silken Threads

15. Work Work Work

Next evening,

Neha drives Vikram to an apartment, "Let's see if you like this one." They take an elevator to reach the fifth floor.

"502. Aryan R." Vikram reads the nameplate, "Your elder brother's house?"

"An investment made by our father in his name." She opened the door, "This is a safe place, the neighbours don't interfere at all."

"This is a penthouse! Are you sure I should be staying here?" Vikram asked looking around the house.

"Why not? There's a secret room in here, where we could setup our base." Neha said and led him into the room.

"Looks good!"

"So you wanna stay here or shall I show other houses?"

Vikram opened a window and felt the cool breeze, "This one works."

"Cool!"

~

Rathore House,

Karan was reading in his room when Sameer came in.

"Karan, how are you?"

"Good? What are you trying to ask bhai?"

Sameer put his hand over his shoulder, "Something is troubling you since quite some time. I've never seen you this silent and distant before. Tell me, what is it?"

"Bhai, I'm good."

"Chote, you might have grown up but you don't know how to lie."

"Trust me bhai, I'm okay."

"Listen kid, you had all the time in the world to tell her about your feelings and you chose the wrong one. Now move on. Also there are other women in the world. She is not the only one."

"Bhai, this is not helping, not at all."

"My bad. Why don't you try those dating apps kids use these days?"

"I appreciate your effort but I just need some me time."

Sameer hugged him, "I love you!"

"Say that to Aisha." Karan got smacked on his head.

~

Same afternoon

ETF Records Section

Sameer walked in, locked the door. Neha unlocked her gun, "Who's there?"

"Me!" Sameer walked up to her, "Why are you sitting on the floor?"

She kept her gun aside, "It's more comfortable as I'm working on the bottom shelves. Now, don't stand on my head, Chief, sit down."

Sameer moved a pile of files and sat down across her, "How much did you finish? Found anything-"

"It's been only three days! I have finished browsing and categorizing last years' unsolved cases."

"That's good. Commissioner Sir has given some instructions. You have to find cases similar to Sikander's modus operandi and put them separately. But no one should know that you are actually doing this, especially Rawte."

"What?" Neha eyed him suspiciously.

Sameer rolled his eyes. "Don't act like you don't know anything."

"I don't understand. Until our last case at Lonavala, you didn't even believe in the existence of the said person and today you want me to look into his old cases. Wow!"