through thick and thin

chapter 7

Aarav's words hung in the air as the trio's curious gazes converged on him.

"I saw Vikram Shrivastava at the police station last month," Aarav began. "He was trying to bribe a police officer."

Aaryan's eyes narrowed. "Why didn't you inform me?"

Aaira's brow furrowed. "Why was he bribing a police officer?"

Kritika's voice overlapped, "What was he bribing them for?"

The simultaneous barrage of questions infuriated Aarav. "Can you all just let me finish?" he exclaimed, frustration etching his face. "I couldn't tell you everything in one breath, but you're not even giving me a chance!"

The room fell silent, with Aaryan, Aaira, and Kritika exchanging sheepish glances.

"Sorry, Aarav," Aaryan said." continue."

Aarav took a deep breath, composing himself.

"As I was saying," Aarav continued, "Vikram Shrivastava faced significant losses in the business he stole from our family. Investigations revealed numerous illegal activities operating within his company."

Aaryan's expression darkened. "And he wanted to know our locations?"

Aarav nodded. "Yes. He offered a substantial bribe to the police officer for information about our whereabouts."

Aaira's eyes widened. "That's terrifying. What else did you find out?"

Kritika leaned forward, her interest piqued. "Did the officer accept the bribe?"

Aarav hesitated, collecting his thoughts. "Not exactly..."

The room fell silent, awaiting Aarav's next words.

"The officer hadn't provided him with our location," Aarav said, "but I doubt it'll take Vikram long to find us. The old commissioner's been replaced, and the new one...let's just say he's not known for his integrity."

Kritika's brow furrowed. "You mean Commissioner Khanna?"

Aarav nodded. "The same. Rumors say he's open to 'favors' for the right price."

Kritika's expression turned thoughtful. "That explains why Vikram was confident enough to return."

Aaira's voice trembled. "What if he finds us? What if—"

Aaryan's reassuring hand on her arm interrupted her. "We'll increase security, Aaira. We won't let him harm us."

Kritika's eyes locked onto Aarav. "Did you gather any information about Vikram's plans?"
"Again not exactly but it looks something related to company" Aarav replied.

"Okay, so what do we do next?" Aaira asked.

"Wait for him to approach first," Kritika replied.

Everyone looked at Kritika, confused.

"Here's the plan," Kritika explained. "You want your father's legacy back. With the bankruptcy he's facing right now, it won't be long until he decides to sell the company before it's too late. Furthermore, this time all three of you are capable enough to save yourselves. You don't need his help, and we need to discover why he's trying to make contact. Moreover, this time he has nothing to threaten you with."

"But the company on the verge of bankruptcy can cause a great loss," Aarav countered.

"With the knowledge Aaryan and Aaira have, it shouldn't go wrong," Kritika said. "Besides, you could merge the companies together."

"But why would Vikram want to meet us about the company?" Aaira questioned. "After what he did, he must know we'd never agree to help him."

"Vikram doesn't do 'help'," Aaryan said wryly. "His ego won't allow it. He's too proud to ask for favors."

"Emotional blackmail is his game," Kritika warned. "He'll try to deceive and manipulate you into saving your father's legacy. He'll play on your emotions, making you feel responsible for the company's downfall."

Aaryan's expression turned thoughtful. "He'll likely use every trick in the book to get what he wants."

Aaira's eyes narrowed. "We need to be prepared for anything." To which other three nodded

Aaryan's eyes locked onto each of them, his tone firm but laced with concern. "Kritika, Aarav, and especially you, Aaira - I need you to be vigilant and take care of yourselves. The threat is real, and I won't tolerate any carelessness."

Aaira's eyes sparkled with defiance, but Aaryan's gaze held hers. "You know your track record, Aaira. Impulsive decisions can put you in harm's way. I swear, if I have to intervene due to your recklessness, you won't like the consequences."

Kritika stepped in, her voice soothing. "Aaryan, we understand. We'll be cautious."

Aarav nodded in agreement. "We'll watch each other's backs."

Aaryan's expression softened slightly. "That's all I ask. Your safety is my priority."

"Since warnings don't seem to sink in until you face the consequences, let me spell out your punishment," Aaryan said firmly. "Aaira, you'll lose:

1. Your vehicle keys except your bike.
2. Your phone privileges since you don't seem to understand its purpose.

And to drive the point home, you'll spend next Sunday washing every vehicle in the house."

Aaryan's gaze held Aaira's, his expression unyielding and his firm tone left no room for argument..

"These punishments are minor compared to the mistake you made. If you sneak out again, the consequences will be far worse. Additionally, tomorrow:

Wake up early and Run 20 laps around the ground

Understood?"

Aaira made exaggerated crying faces, her voice dropping to a mock-whisper. "Always giving punishment... Kabhi punishment dene se fursat hi nahi milti?" (Never a break from punishments).

Aaryan's expression remained firm, his tone unwavering. "Stop making faces, Aaira. And stop making mistakes. Fall in line, and the punishments will stop."

"But bhaiya, I need my phone for work," Aaira pleaded.

"Simple solution: I will hand it to you when you are in company and you give it back when you are at home," Aaryan replied.

Aarav chimed in, "That's not a solution at all!"

Kritika intervened, "Actually, it might work since Aaira rarely uses her phone in the office."

Aaira huffed, "When will these punishments end?"

Aaryan's gaze locked onto hers. "When I'm confident you'll answer my calls without fail."

Aaira rolled her eyes. "This arrangement is ridiculous!"

Aarav stepped in, noticing Aaryan's glares. "Shut up, Aaira, before you lose your senses."

Aaira snapped back, "Bhaiya ka chamcha!" (Aaryan's sycophant!)

Aarav retorted, "I'm not bhaiya's chamcha, but if you don't quiet down, he'll make you his chamcha for sure!"

"Enough, you two!" Aaryan snapped, ending the argument.

Kritika intervened, her voice warm. "Hey, guys, let's have breakfast, shall we? Today, I made some stuffed parathas."

The Shrivastava trio's faces lit up. "We're in!" they chimed, drawn by the promise of Kritika's delicious cooking.

Aaryan's expression softened. "Let's eat, then."

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