𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐓: 𝐀 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐐𝐮𝐫'𝐚𝐧

chapter 52

After praying Maghrib, Ayaan got up, folded his prayer mat, and put it back in its place. He turned around to find all his teammates getting ready for the mission.

“Muhammad, are you ready?” Mr. Mehta asked, tapping him on the shoulder. Ayaan nodded, but he was still worried about Ayat.

Should he tell her or not? But what if she followed him?

No! No! No!

He was lost in his thoughts when Mr. Mehta began explaining the plan, placing a map on the center table.

“This is the whole of Mumbai. Ahsan has put a tracker on Ashar’s car, and right now, Ashar's car is crossing Mumbai's Western Express Highway.” Mr. Mehta raised his eyes from the map to look at Ayaan.

“And our bonus point is… this highway is usually jammed with traffic!” Ayaan said, amused. Mr. Mehta nodded and straightened himself.

“He will pass Dahisar Toll Plaza, then Ghodbunder Road, and then Airport Road. Usually, Airport Road is always clear, so chasing him from that point would be easy. Also, not all of you will go after him!” Mr. Mehta clarified, pointing at some members.

“I want Muhammad to follow Ashar while all of you will accompany me to raid Aurora Holdings!” After giving the order, everyone nodded, though confusion was evident on their faces.

“But sir, a raid?” one of them asked. Mr. Mehta turned his attention toward him.

“Yes, because as Sakshi mentioned, the shell companies are supposed to be at Aurora Holdings tonight. As they arrive, we will raid, keeping them busy,” Mr. Mehta explained, glancing at Ayaan, who was scanning the room as if searching for someone.

“Sir, where is Ahsan right now?” Ayaan asked, bewildered. Mr. Mehta smiled proudly.

“Your argument with him has left him so determined that he is currently chasing Ashar. You need to follow him, okay?” Mr. Mehta said with excitement, impressed by Ahsan's determination.

“Okay, sir. Then I’m on my way!” Ayaan replied, about to walk out when Mr. Mehta stopped him.

“Muhammad!” he called. Ayaan turned around and nodded. “Do you have everything you need?” Ayaan nodded, understanding what Mr. Mehta was alluding to. He then walked out, and the remaining members turned their attention back to Mr. Mehta, who began explaining the raid plan.

After leaving the changing room, Ayaan went downstairs, took out his mobile, and messaged Sakshi.

“I’m taking your bike because the car keys are with Ayat! And remember, don’t let her come out of the VIP box; keep her busy somehow!” He tucked his phone away and headed to the car. He took a sticky note from his pocket, placed it on the car window, and wrote, “Ayat, I’m working, so please go home and rest. I’ll be there in one hour!” Then he tucked the pen back in his pocket and walked towards the bike.

×××××××××××××××××××××××

Ashar was sitting in the back seat of his Mercedes Benz, using his mobile phone while his personal assistant, Sushant, drove the car. They were heading to Bangalore for a meeting with Arora Holdings to discuss potential collaborations for one of his shell companies, aiming to funnel more black money to them. Suddenly, his phone rang with the name 'Ammi' flashing on the screen. He rolled his eyes before answering.

"Yes, Ammi!" he said, trying to keep his tone neutral.

"Where are you, Ashar?" she asked, and he could sense her worry.

"I'm just going to Bangalore!" he replied, keeping it brief. He could almost hear her scoff.

"Can you please come to Pune? I'm really worried. Just come for 2 or 3 days," she implored, her voice filled with concern. He instinctively rubbed his temples in frustration.