ArIya One-Shots: In Every Other Universe

ArIya OS 1.2: Sukoon-e-dil (Peace of heart)

The Commissioner heard a knock and saw Riya standing there. He gestured for her to come inside. "They have demanded that your case be transferred to the ETF, or else they will resign, just as you predicted."

Riya's smirk grew wider, her eyes gleaming with a hint of triumph as she listened to the Commissioner's words. "Perfect," she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction before she turned and left the office

︵‿︵‿୨❤୧‿︵‿︵

After dropping the rest of the team off at the ETF, Arjun decided to visit Riya's house. He informed them that he was taking leave for the day and left before anyone could respond. An hour later, he stood inside the house, which, despite appearing uninhabited for two years, had been meticulously maintained. Arjun had ensured it was looked after, having bought the house after Riya's death. He didn't want to lose the place where they had shared so many stolen moments.

︵‿︵‿୨Flashback୧‿︵‿︵

Arjun was chasing a criminal when he heard Riya scream his name, he turned around just in time to see Riya running towards him, pushing him away from danger. He screamed her name as she collapsed, and he quickly picked her up, rushing her to the hospital, his heart racing with fear and his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Frantic, he burst through the hospital doors, shouting for a doctor as he laid her on a stretcher. The nurses and doctors, recognizing his badge, swiftly took her inside.

As he sat in the waiting area, Arjun couldn't take his eyes off the door, anxiety gripping him. His heart was pounding in his chest and his mind was racing with terrifying thoughts. His eyes were fixed on the door, his gaze unblinking, as he waited for any sign of Riya's condition. This feeling went beyond mere concern for a teammate; it was something deeper, something he couldn't yet name. 

Just then, the team arrived at the hospital, ready to question him when the doctor emerged. The team all spoke at once, their voices overlapping with concern, urgency etched in every word.

"Is she okay?"

"How bad is it?"

"Will she be alright?"

The doctor held up his hands to calm them down, his face a picture of reassurance and calmness. "Everyone, please. The bullet wasn't deep. She was very lucky. She will regain consciousness in a few hours," he said softly. 

A collective sigh of relief swept through the team, their tense shoulders finally relaxing as they let out a collective breath of relief. But then, as they looked around, they noticed something off - Arjun was no longer with them.

"Where's Arjun Sir?" Shree asked, a frown creasing his forehead.

"He was just here," Chhotu added, his eyes scanning the room with growing concern.

"Enough, Rawte isn't a child who would get lost," Sameer said in annoyance. "He must have left. Let's focus on Riya and not him."

A few days later, Riya returned to duty and was doing fine. However, Arjun began avoiding her; he kept interactions to a minimum as possible. Until one day, Riya decided to confront him. She knocked on the door of his office and entered when she heard his voice.

"Why are you doing this? Why are you avoiding me?" Riya demanded, her voice laced with hurt and frustration.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Arjun replied without looking up, his voice cold and distant as he struggled to maintain a sense of detachment.