The MasterMind

✯𝐶𝒉𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 7: 𝐴𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑣'𝑠 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟

Morning

Aarav's Room

Aarav is adjusting his uniform in front of the mirror. His phone rings.

Aarav: (answering the phone) "Good morning, Miss Aadhya."

Aadhya: (on the phone,) "Good morning, sir! Are you coming?"

Aarav: (checking his watch) "Yes, I'm about to leave."

Aadhya: "Sir, please come straight to the lab. We're heading there."

Aarav: Ok

Aadhya: "Sir, did you get a call from Samaira?"

Aarav: "No, I tried calling but his phone is switched off. Have you?"

Aadhya: "No, I called in lab, but they said she's not there."

Aarav: "She might be at home. She'll make it to the lab."

Aadhya: "But sir, she said last night that she will not go home. She had planned to stay in the lab."

Aarav: (concerned) "Why?"

Aadhya: "She wanted to gather some evidence."

Aarav: "Don't worry. That's how she is. She'll show up."

Aadhya: "Okay, sir."

Aarav: "Are Arjun and Kabir with you?"

Aadhya: "Only Arjun is with me."

Aarav: "Alright, I'll be there soon."

Aarav ends the call and dials Kabir's number.

Kabir: (answering the phone) "Hello?"

Aarav: "It's Aarav."

Kabir: "Good morning, sir. I'm on my way."

Aarav: "I'm sending you my address. Pick me up; my car broke down."

Kabir: "Okay, sir."

Aarav's House Exterior

Kabir arrives outside Aarav's house and honks the horn. Aarav touches his parents' feet for blessings and steps outside. He notices Kabir arguing with someone on the phone. Kabir hangs up when he sees Aarav.

Aarav sits behind Kabir on the bike, and Kabir start driving.

Aarav: "What happened, Kabir?"

Kabir: (sighs) "Nothing, sir. Just the usual wedding stress."

Aarav: "Don't worry, marriage preparation will be done well."

Kabir: "It's not that, sir."

Aarav: "Then what is it?"

Kabir: "My mom wants me to meet the girl alone. I've only met her with our families."

Aarav: "Your mom is right."

Kabir: "But sir, I'm not good at talking to girls. It makes me anxious."

There's a brief silence.

Aarav: "I have a solution for you."

Kabir: "What's that, sir?"

Aarav: "I went to a bookstore yesterday. A girl recommended two books to me. She said they help improve relationships. You should read them. They'll be very beneficial, especially since you're getting married soon."

Kabir: "But sir, reading books makes me sleepy and bored."

Aarav: "I don't think you'll be bored with these. I found them quite interesting and enjoyable."