They never met...

chapter 27 - LURKING DANGER

Author's pov :

Mahima noticed a shift in Jagjeet's expression. Confusion clouded her face. "Why? Did you hear something?"

Jagjeet's jaw clenched. "Worse," he replied, his voice strained. "He's here. My wife's father."

Mahima felt a pang of hurt, but immediately sprang into action. She shielded Jagjeet with her body, whispering in his ear, "Hide your face in my neck. We can't risk the mission."

Hesitant at first, Jagjeet complied. His heart pounded against hers beneath the dance floor's flashing lights. A wave of longing washed over Mahima. Three years in a relationship, yearning for a hug that never materialized.

She spotted Jagjeet's father-in-law settling at a table, swirling amber liquid in a glass, a ruby ring glinting on his right hand. With a subtle signal, she nudged Jagjeet, reminding him of their carefully constructed facade as colleagues.

Suddenly, another familiar face appeared at the entrance. A smile lit up Mahima's face. Kshitij, their old friend, but jagjeet and her breakup had strained their bond. She longed to greet him, but Jagjeet stopped her.

"He's not alone," he warned, gesturing towards the imposing figure behind Kshitij. "That's his father, Amrinder Singh Brar. The richest man in the city, second richest in the state. Very influential."

Mahima's smile faltered. "I think we found the big tiger," she murmured, her gaze fixed on the older man.

Jagjeet's eyes widened. "What? Are you sure?"
Mahima's gaze drifted to the man's hand. "100%" she replied

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Mahima's detective instincts kicked in. "Hmm, interesting," she murmured, eyeing the older man in the black coat. A glint of ruby on his right hand caught her attention. It was a ring, similar to the one on Jagjeet's father-in-law, but grander. Intricate silver and goldwork swirled around the larger stone. "Jagjeet," she said, her voice firm, "it's a gang."

Jagjeet's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Are you sure?"

Jagjeet nodded, his jaw clenched. The revelation added another layer of complexity to their mission. Mahima, ever the strategist, issued a quick instruction. "Inform Lal Singh and Bajwa to be on high alert. Keep a close eye on your father-in-law."

Jagjeet hesitated, caught between duty and family. Mahima's voice cut through his uncertainty. "It's duty or family, Jagjeet."

With a determined nod, Jagjeet discreetly relayed the orders to Lal Singh and Bajwa through hidden earpieces. Just then, he spotted Kshitij approaching them, a playful glint in his eyes. Before they could slip away unnoticed,

Kshitij boomed, "Hey buddy, enjoying yourself with some..." His voice trailed off as his gaze landed on Mahima. Recognition dawned on him. "Mahi... Mahima?"

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Kshitijveer's surprise mirrored Jagjeet's. "Hey buddy, enjoying yourself with some..." His voice trailed off as his gaze landed on Mahima. Recognition dawned on him. "Mahi... Mahima?"

Mahima, ever at ease, offered a confident smile. "The one and only," she replied, extending a hand in greeting.

Khushitijveer, still stunned, stammered as he took her hand. "But... I thought..."

He cast a questioning glance at Jagjeet.
Jagjeet cleared his throat, forcing a smile. "Long story, veer. We'll catch up later."

Mahima, sensing Jagjeet's discomfort, interjected smoothly, "Let's just say, life took some unexpected turns." Her eyes twinkled playfully.