TO THE STARS THAT LISTEN

CHAPTER 60: The First Date

Ahaan

After last night, I had Ira take a leave from work. She didn't want to, but it was non negotiable. Besides her seniors willingly granted her leave because apparently, my wife has never taken a sick leave.

I mean...what the fuck, man?

I walk out of the house, not after giving Ira a clear warning to not step out of the house for anything work. Thankfully, she had no reason to because apparently I can stop her from going to work but not from studying. I was hoping that staying at home would force her to take rest but well, something is good than nothing.

I dial Aarav's number and he picks up in first ring, "I was about to call you. Come to my place. We can discuss this and then go to work." 

I hang up and pick up Laila from the garage. It's been a while since I took her out for a stroll and it couldn't be a better day than today. After tying my luggage to the back I get on the bike and ride to Aarav's place. 

Unlike Ira and Vaani, me and Aarav are not neighbours, infact he lives far away from my place and even on my bike, it takes me an hour to reach there. 

I hate Mumbai traffic.

Parking the bike in his apartment's parking. I dismount and take the elevator to his apartment. Despite our generous payroll, he doesn't own a penthouse. He believes that money should be spent wisely, and he prefers to invest in experiences rather than extravagant living spaces. When I reach his door, I knock twice, and Aarav opens it almost immediately, a serious expression on his face.

"Come in," he says, stepping aside to let me enter. His apartment is modest but well-kept, reflecting his practical nature. I follow him to the living room, where he has already spread out the information he gathered about Ashish and Aryan on the coffee table.

"I went through everything last night," Aarav begins, gesturing to the documents. "These guys have a lot of skeletons in their closets. Illegal businesses, offshore accounts, you name it. They're involved in some really deep shit."

I nod, feeling the familiar surge of anger bubbling up inside me. "I need to know where they are, Aarav. I need to find them and make them pay."

Aarav sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't know what got these two on your shit list but I understand your anger, Ahaan, but we have to be smart about this. We can't just go in guns blazing. We need a plan."

I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my emotions. "You're right. What do you suggest?"

"We need to gather more intel first," Aarav says, pulling out a map and marking several locations. "These are places they frequent. We need to stake them out, see their patterns, and find the best time to strike."

I study the map, committing the locations to memory. "Okay. When do we start?"

"Tomorrow night." He closes the map and exits the folder he had opened up on Ashish and Aryan Kapoor.

"Why tomorrow? Why not today? Letting these two out in the world for another day is more dangerous than leaving a lion out of it's cage." I seethe through gritted teeth.

"It's Mrityunjay sir's retirement party tonight, Ahaan." Aarav states.

Oh fuck! I totally forgot about that. Mrityunjay sir was both my and Aarav's first Captain when we were second-in-command. He's also the one who helped me learn how to do a cross-wind landing smoothly.

"He personally invited you and Ira." Aarav continues.

I let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through my hair. "You're right. We can't miss that. But every minute those bastards are out there, it's a minute too long."