Chandravati | ✔️

1. Second Chance

Ruchi's P.O.V

Oh My- I need to control myself. I never thought I would be stepping here again in my life. Being personally tangled to this place was not enough?! Now I'm professionally drawn into this mess.

This place was once loved by me. Taking a deep breath I pushed open the black glass doors. As I walked towards the front desk, sweet memories were replayed by my mind.

"Good afternoon ma'am. How may I help you?" asked the receptionist. I could sense the fear in her upon seeing me in my uniform.

"I would like to speak to Mr. Advay, immediately," I replied making sure to stress the word 'immediately'

"Ma'am, I'm afraid-" she stopped as she glanced someone behind me.

I turned around to see Advay with his dazzling smile, with  the same smile as I last saw him.

"Namasthe Miss. Ruchi, before you could check the cctv recordings I would like to have a word with you alone," he said looking at the constable.

"I'm here to investigate Mr.Advay not to talk about personal things," I replied annoyed by his behavior.

"I understand ma'am, but I think this information might help your investigation"
 
                              •───────•°•❀•°•───────•

I could hear the pitter patter of the raindrops as I sat opposite to Advay. Advay's restaurant is a lavish one known for its quality, taste and affordability. I peeped through the window, staring the dark clouds that filled the summer sky as Advay was speaking to his manager.

A waiter came and placed two glasses of mango milkshake. He still remembers my favorites even though I shared a limited of them with him.

"Skip the pleasantries Mr. Advay, besides I don't take anything while I'm on duty"

"I'm sorry... Miss.Ruchi," he apologized. It felt he apologized for something else.

"Mr. Harit called me two days before" stated Advay.

Harit is a renowned lawyer and a good friend of Advay. I knew that he called Advay as I went through his call records, bank transactions prior, before coming here. He gifted his whole assets to his only son last week on his birthday as he turned 18. It's strangely suspicious and unlike of him.

Early hours of today, I got a call claiming there is threat to them, before I could respond, the call was cut. It turned out to be Harit. It is believed that he tried to kill himself in Advay's restaurant. If yes then why would he call us? More importantly it felt as if he was reciting during the call rather than someone who is in danger. Advay is acting calm for someone who's friend tried to commit suicide.

"He wanted to meet me as it's been long ago since we had seen each other. Today was the day. Since last week he's been acting weird, he has persuaded me to read a book which he had never done before. He even sent me a copy home. And he believes someone is after him"

"How is he now?" I enquired.

"He's unconscious and under doctor's supervision"

"So you think it's suspicious just because he recommended a book to you?" I asked.

"No. He warned me to be careful about people I am close to. When I  questioned him further, he said he just sensed danger which I think is a total bullshit"

I was amused by him cursing with seriousness.

"-so I suspected everyone including my family. As far as I got the info, I think it's someone from the business which I'm trying to find out as quickly as I can."

"What's the name of the book?"

"Chandravati"

That name rings a bell. I've heard before somewhere. I was lost in thought when Advay's voice bought me back to my senses.

"Ru- Miss.Ruchi, I know you don't like talking about personal things but I think this will at least put your mind to ease and hate Jay a bit lesser "

"But-" he cut me off

"Jay died due to cancer not accident. He cancelled the wedding with your sister Vennela for the same reason. He hid this from everyone and moved to London. Vennela got to know this and came to London, pursuing a course is just an excuse. She spent the last days with him not as his fiancée but as someone she cares and admires though he pushed her away many times."

I didn't know what to say. Masking my emotions, I stood up to leave.

"Hope to see you soon... Miss.Ruchi " he said with the same dazzling smile.

"May be not... while I'm in uniform" I replied murmuring the later part.