FORBIDDEN FLAMES ✅

Chasing Shadows

SHREYA'S POV

As Nidhi and I were chatting in the living room, enjoying each other's company and watching our daughters play, there was a sudden knock on the door. I went to open it, and there stood Keerthi, who I welcomed inside with a warm smile.

Keerthi glanced at Nidhi and greeted her with a smile of her own. After explaining Nidhi's reasons for her actions, Keerthi seemed to lighten up a bit, and the three of us began chatting casually.

Suddenly, Nidhi asked, "How are things with Vihaan bhai?"

I felt a blush creep onto my cheeks as I replied, "Okay its progressing."

Keerthi pressed further, "Not just progressing. I mean, how did you two actually become close? Does Aarna have any siblings in the future near by?"

I tried to hush them, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement. "Come on, guys, stop it," I said, attempting to steer the conversation away from such personal topics.

But Keerthi persisted, teasingly, "He'll always be busy with cases. The only tension that can be relieved is through you and your methods. If you've lost touch with them, we can teach you the theory on how to do it."

I couldn't help but laugh, feeling both embarrassed and entertained by their shameless teasing. "Seriously, stop it, you two," I said with a playful shake of my head. It was moments like these that made me grateful for their friendship and lighthearted banter.

"Let me prepare juice for everyone," I suggested and Nidhi and Keerthi followed me into the kitchen, our laughter and chatter filling the room. It had been a long time since I felt this free, a new sensation bubbling inside me. We prepared the juice and poured it into glasses.

Suddenly, Aarna and Nishi dashed towards me, causing me to spill juice on myself. I quickly handed the glasses to Keerthi before more could spill. Looking down at Aarna, I said, "Baby, you need to be careful. What if it was hot milk or coffee?" She looked up at me with wide eyes and said, "Sorry, mamma."

"It's okay, have your juice," I said, smiling at her. Then, turning to Keerthi and Nidhi, I added, "I'll go change my dress and come back." They nodded, understanding.

I went inside the bedroom and saw all the dolls scattered on the bed. With a sigh, I removed my sticky clothes. Feeling the need to freshen up, I decided to take another quick shower. After the bath, I wrapped a towel around myself and opened my cupboard. I had very few dresses here, so I picked one of Vihaan's t-shirts and a pair of sweatpants.

Removing the towel, I started putting on Vihaan's clothes. The soft fabric and the familiar scent made me feel close to him, providing a sense of comfort. As I finished dressing, I couldn't help but smile, feeling a mix of freedom and warmth from the lighthearted morning and the unexpected connection to Vihaan.

As soon as I came out, Keerthi and Nidhi burst into laughter.

"What are you wearing? You miss him so much that you wore his clothes?" Keerthi teased. "It's nothing like that," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "I have very few clothes here, and some are in the wash. I'm just wearing what's available."

Keerthi smirked. "Looks like I need to take Aarna to my home tonight to give this couple some private time to enjoy."

"Shut up," I retorted. "Vihaan is busy. He got some leads. Forget having an intimate night—I doubt whether he'll come home early or not."

Keerthi nodded. "How is the case progressing? Is it confirmed whether Swathi or Shubham is behind the evidence tampering?"

I shook my head. "No, Vihaan sent me a picture of a tattoo. I've seen it somewhere before, but I can't remember exactly where."

Keerthi's eyes widened. "You can't remember? That's new."

"Maybe I didn't think it was worth remembering," I said with a shrug.

"Show me the tattoo. Maybe I can help." Keerthi held out her hand, and I handed her my phone. She zoomed in and out of the image, scrutinizing it carefully.

"Wait a minute," she said, her eyes lighting up. "I've seen this before! Do you remember that day Rohan, you, Aarna, and I went to that restaurant? We saw Swathi there, and later she introduced us to her boyfriend. He had this tattoo on his hand. I noticed it when he extended his hand for a handshake. We even thought that tattoo was pretty cool back then!"

I felt a rush of relief and excitement. "Yes, I remember now! That's where I've seen it. Thank you, Keerthi. This is a big help."

Keerthi smiled. "Anytime. Now, let's hope Vihaan can use this information to catch those responsible."