They never met...

chapter 25 -Keeping the secret

Mahima's POV:

Me and the "knight Harman" are back at the station, I found Lal Singh hovering near the entrance, a worried look etched on his face.Harman was skipping towards his father with the carefree gait of a child.

"Lal Singh," I called out, a hint of sternness in my voice. "Kids shouldn't be in the police station, especially not in areas where investigations are ongoing."

Lalsingh looked a bit confused but then he looked at Harman and mumbled an apology, looking sheepish. "Yes, ma'am. I was just leaving actually." "I'll drop him" He scooped Harman into his arms, the boy giggling at the sudden lift.

I stopped them before they could leave. Patting Harman's tiny turban, I said, "Bye, kiddo. You're a brave one, just like your papa"

Harman beamed. "You're my favorite cop now," he declared, his eyes shining with admiration. "Even more than Papa!" He gestures his hand calling me to listen to him so i bent a bit with my ear towards him "Hey listen Medha"

"What kiddo" , instead of saying anything he hugged me

My female instincts kicked in and enveloped the kid in my arms

"You are the best" , he said while releasing the hug.

"Thank you, cutie," I chuckled, a warmth spreading in my heart.

As Lal Singh and Harman left, a sense of determination settled over me. We were running out of time, and the stakes had never been higher.

Meeting Room:

The team was assembled, the air thick with tension.

"So," I began, "any progress from our hacker friend?"

"It's all done" jagjeet confirmed

"So its all set" I asked

Bajwa shook his head. "Not really, ma'am. We need an invitation to gain entry into Alphinstone's party."

Jagjeet chimed in, "Where's the venue exactly?"

"Alphinstone's," I repeated.

He pondered for a moment, then a flicker of hope ignited in his eyes. "I think I know someone who can help us with the invitation."

"Are you sure?" I questioned, a sliver of doubt creeping in. "We only have one day left."

"I assure you, ma'am," Jagjeet said with unwavering confidence.

In the meantime Lalsingh rejoined us after dropping his son at home. Thinking about the kid a smile played on my lips but it was shortlived as

Bajwa added a complication. "But ma'am, it seems it's a couples-only entry."

This was a hurdle I hadn't anticipated. "We can't exactly involve someone from outside the team on such a short notice," I muttered, frustration gnawing at me.

Suddenly, Bajwa's lips quirked into a sly smile. He glanced at Lal Singh, who stood there looking bewildered.

Before I could voice my concerns, Bajwa interjected. "Ma'am, I have an idea."

He proceeded to explain his plan in hushed tones, his eyes darting between me and Lal Singh.

A heavy silence followed his explanation.

"So, we all agree on this?" I asked, already suspecting the answer.

Lal Singh opened his mouth to protest, but I cut him off. "Lal Singh, we don't have many options here. This is the best shot we have."