In-yeon

Chapter 9:- Master of Deception

Karishma

Trisha and I are in my office, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow through the window. Papers and files are scattered across the desk. I leaned back in the chair, tapping a pen against my notepad, trying to fill in the script details for our next shoot. 

"Have you made the schedule yet?" I asked. 

Trisha looked up from her laptop. "I'm still figuring some things out."

"Okay...The Embassy needs it this week for the application."

Trisha's face brightened with a smile. "I can't believe that we are finally visiting Pakistan. Oh! This Haseena. She is our savior. "

At the mention of this person, my relaxed face tightened. I clenched my jaw and said, "Hold your horses. We don't have a Visa yet."

Trisha, undeterred, waved a dismissive hand. "Yea, yea...That's just a formality now. The trade Commissioner is backing us up. Who will deny us?"

I am irked by the mention of her. It's been three weeks since I started working with Haseena. Mostly, Trisha handles her, and I avoid getting into any shared spaces. She hadn't tried to talk to me, which was a small mercy. Maybe she understood that I wanted nothing to do with her. Maybe she didn't care. Either way, she is away. 

I sighed, pushing back from my chair. "I'm due for a coffee. I need to refresh my system. Do you want anything?" I asked Trisha.

"Just tea for me, please," she replied, not looking up from her laptop.

I cracked my neck and walked through the hallway to the break room. Although I don't enjoy the break room coffee, it's my only option. I don't have enough time to fetch my usual from the nearby shop.

On my way to the break room, I saw Haseena in Abhinandan's office. She is always there, laughing and chatting. Does she ever help us with anything?

I quickened my pace, trying to ignore the irritation bubbling up inside me. Even though I don't want her associated with anything related to me, it's impossible to navigate our project without her—at least, that's what I have been told. 

"We are planning to go to Pakistan. Our Team is well-versed in the theoretical aspects and has thoroughly researched the places to visit and the interviews to conduct. However, none of us have ever set foot in Pakistan, leaving us without any on-the-ground contacts or firsthand experience of the local environment. We know everything on books, but there is a need for a local team, which Haseena can provide." I remember Trisha's argument when I was being stubborn about the Haseena Situation.

"As the former Project Director of the Citizen Archives of Pakistan, she brings not only a wealth of knowledge but also invaluable local connections. Her team can assist us in navigating the intricacies of the local area, ensuring that our schedule is practical and our interactions are meaningful. They will help us secure the necessary permits, arrange and conduct interviews, and provide insights not available in any book or papers. Haseena's local team will bridge the gap between our theoretical knowledge and the on-ground reality, making the Bridging Borders project truly impactful and authentic." said Abhinandan in a meeting to discuss haseena's role. 

I hate how Abhinandan and Trisha made me return to my senses. As much as I hate to admit it, we need her. Because of her, the Citizen Archives of Pakistan team will collaborate with Bridging Borders, making everything we pursue successful. But observing her over the past few weeks, I can't help but question her usefulness. All I ever see is her spending time with Abhinandan. I suspect Abhi brought her onto this project just so they could steal moments away from her husband's watchful eyes.