CHECKMATE : Game Of Shadows

6. the second crime

"And that's all for today, ladies and gentlemen. We'll meet again tomorrow at the same time. For now, good night!" Uttkarsh spoke clearly into the camera, his professional demeanor masking the tension beneath.

"And cut!" a voice echoed through the studio, prompting Uttkarsh to lean back in his chair with a sigh of relief.

"God, it's so hectic," he muttered as his assistant, Divya, handed him a steaming cup of coffee.

"My boy Uttkarsh! Very well done!" the producer beamed as he took a seat beside him. Uttkarsh smiled, the warmth of the compliment easing some of his stress.

"Thank you so much, sir, for this opportunity!" Uttkarsh replied, genuine gratitude in his voice.

"Hey, thank you to me? No, it's you who deserves the praise! Our show's ratings have soared because of you. People are loving this channel!" The producer chuckled prompting another smile from Uttkarsh.

"Bhai Uttkarsh, that news piece you covered five years ago-it turned the tide for us. We became fans of your work that day," the producer continued, but Uttkarsh's expression darkened, a flicker of something painful crossing his face.

"Chalo, let's go now. See you tomorrow!" the producer said, oblivious to Uttkarsh's discomfort as he exited the room.

Once alone, Uttkarsh stood up, his tension palpable. Divya, waiting nearby, approached him cautiously.

"Sir, can I ask you something?" she ventured, sensing his mood shift.

He turned to her, his eyes cold. Divya swallowed hard but pressed on. "I often notice you get uncomfortable when someone brings up that news you covered years ago. It was a turning point for your career-why do you-"

Her question hung in the air, abruptly cut short when Uttkarsh's hand shot out, gripping her neck and pinning her against the wall. Divya's eyes widened in shock, her heart racing as she instinctively tried to pry his hand away.

After a tense moment, he released her, stepping back as she gasped for breath, fighting against the panic rising in her chest. He turned away, his back to her, jaw clenched tightly.

"Next time you get this personal with me, I swear to God there won't be a next time," he warned, his voice low and seething with fury. Divya stared at him, disbelief mingling with fear and anger.

As he strode away, she stood frozen for a moment before regaining her composure. She walked to him, returning his coat with a fake smile which he ignored entirely. As he drove her, she raised her middle finger at the departing car and walking towards her bike. She took her helmet in her hands while pondering about Uttkarsh.

"Kamina kahinka, ek din aisa reveal karungi isko ki iski saari journalism jayegi iske piche," she muttered, slipping on her helmet with determination.

The ride home was quiet, her mind racing with thoughts of what just transpired. Upon reaching her apartment, she parked her bike and removed her helmet, her hands trembling slightly as she fumbled with her keys.

Just as she was about to step inside, her phone rang. She glanced at the unknown number, curiosity piquing her interest. When she answered, her eyes widened, and a sudden shock washed over her as the voice on the other end spoke. Her hands on her phone froze with her eyes widening.

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A car pulled up in front of Yuvika's house, and she stepped out, recalling her recent interaction with Varun.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, eyeing Varun, who was grinning like a cat that got the cream.

"Yuvika, you know him? That's Mihir's friend, Varun Oberoi. He's quite helpful," Nikita chimed in, her voice light. Yuvika glanced at Varun, who seemed more interested in his own reflection than anything else.