𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐚~𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞 | 𝟐𝟏+

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 |𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐧 𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Aadhisha paced her room like a caged animal, her breath shallow and uneven. Her mind was a hurricane of thoughts, each one slamming into the next with relentless force. The realization of Shivaay's obsession with Czarina—her—was both terrifying and intoxicating. For years, she had evaded detection, built a life in the shadows, and now, in a twist of fate, Shivaay himself had unknowingly brought her world crashing down.

Her fingers trembled as she clutched the folder against her chest, her pulse roaring in her ears. Her chest tightened at the thought of Shivaay piecing everything together. And yet, beneath the panic, there was something else—a spark of heat, a pull she couldn't fully understand or suppress.

No, she told herself fiercely. This is not the time.

But her traitorous mind replayed the small moments they had shared—the way his gaze lingered on her longer than it should, the way his voice dipped into dangerous softness when he spoke her name. She shoved the thoughts away, forcing herself to focus.

She had to act fast. If there was even a shred of evidence linking her to the Bangus Valley incident, it had to be destroyed. Grabbing a small pouch of tools, she glanced at the clock. It was almost time for Shivaay's daily business call with the Dubai Sheik—an opportunity she couldn't waste.

With quiet determination, Aadhisha slipped out of her room, navigating the corridors with practiced ease. Her destination: Shivaay's study. She knew it was risky, but she had no choice.

When she reached the study, the door was slightly ajar. Peeking inside, she found it empty. Perfect. She slipped in, her movements quick and silent.

The study was a testament to Shivaay's power and taste, with its dark wood furnishings, ornate carvings, and shelves lined with leather-bound books. Aadhisha ignored it all, heading straight for the desk. Her target was the secure phone that rested there—a direct line to Jammu's intelligence department.

Her fingers hovered over the phone, hesitation creeping in. She hated the idea of involving Ednit Randhawa, but he was the only one who could help her now. Taking a deep breath, she dialed the number.

The line rang once before connecting.

"Randhawa speaking," came the deep, measured voice on the other end.

"It's me," Aadhisha said, keeping her voice low.

There was a pause. Then: "Ah, Agent Czarina. It's been a while. I thought you'd disappeared off the face of the earth."

"I don't have time for pleasantries," she snapped, her voice sharper than intended. "I need your help."

"And here I thought you didn't need anyone," Randhawa replied, his tone laced with amusement. "What's the urgency?"

Aadhisha hesitated, glancing over her shoulder. "There's a situation. I might have left traces—things that could connect me to that... under base incident. I need it all erased. Completely."

Randhawa hummed thoughtfully. "Erasing evidence isn't free, you know. What's in it for me?"

She clenched her jaw, already anticipating his price. "What do you want?"

"Simple," he said smoothly. "Get me something solid on Tannishta Cauvery Raizada and her party. Proof of their dealings—anything I can use. You bring me that, and not only will I clean up your mess, but I'll also see to it that your suspension is revoked."

Aadhisha's hand tightened on the receiver. "And if I don't?"

"Well, then... I suppose I'll just have to keep this conversation in mind for future use."

"You bastard," she hissed.

Randhawa chuckled. "I take that as a yes. You know where to find me. Jammu, two days."

Before she could respond, the line went dead.

As she replaced the receiver, her heart pounded in her chest. The conversation had left her feeling trapped, but she didn't have time to dwell on it. A faint vibration hummed through the desk—a tracker signal.

Her stomach dropped.

Shivaay.

Somehow, he had set up a system to detect calls to intelligence agencies. Aadhisha cursed under her breath, hurriedly tidying the desk before slipping out of the study. She moved quickly and quietly, her pulse racing as she navigated the halls.

Behind her, the sound of Daksh's hurried footsteps echoed faintly.

"Who's in there?" He called, his voice sharp.

Aadhisha pressed herself against the wall, her heart hammering as he passed by, oblivious to her presence. She waited until his footsteps faded before darting into her room, locking the door behind her.

Her breath came in short bursts as she leaned against the door, her mind racing. Somehow, she had managed to evade detection, but the tension coiled in her chest refused to ease.

Later that evening, Aadhisha found herself standing in the dimly lit lounge, waiting for Shivaay. 

The sunset cast a golden glow over the room, and she found herself fiddling with the edge of her scarf, nerves dancing under her skin.

Shivaay entered moments later, his presence commanding as always. His dark eyes met hers, and a slow smile curved his lips.

"You wanted to see me?" He asked, his voice smooth and inviting.

"I've decided," she said, her tone carefully neutral. "I'll be ready to leave for Jammu in two days. There's a lot of requirements I need to meet there."

Shivaay's smile faltered slightly, but he nodded. "Ready for Jammu, huh? Dangerous place these days. Are you sure you'll be safe? Do you need..."

"No, I can take care of myself," she replied, her lips curving into a faint smirk.

Shivaay stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "You always do. But that doesn't stop me from worrying."

The warmth in his voice sent a shiver down her spine. She hated how easily he could disarm her, how his proximity made her pulse quicken.

"I'll be fine," she said softly, her eyes meeting his.

For a moment, the tension between them crackled like a live wire. Shivaay reached out, his hand brushing against hers. "You're different tonight," he murmured, his voice low. "Distracted."

Aadhisha swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. "Just... a lot on my mind."

Shivaay's gaze darkened, his fingers grazing her wrist. "Whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone."

The sincerity in his voice made her chest ache, but she couldn't let her guard down. Not now. Instead, she leaned closer, her lips barely brushing his ear as she whispered, "I'll keep that in mind."

Shivaay's breath hitched, his hand tightening around hers. The moment was electric, charged with unsaid words and suppressed feelings.

But before it could go further, Aadhisha stepped back, her smile enigmatic. "Goodnight, Shivaay."

He watched her leave, his eyes lingering on her retreating figure.

The moment Aadhisha was gone, Shivaay pulled out his phone, dialing Daksh.

"Did you find anything?" he asked, his voice sharp.

"No," Daksh replied, frustration evident. "Whoever it was, they're good. There's no sign of tampering."

Shivaay's jaw tightened. "Keep an eye on Mahal, Daksh. Something's not right."

"You think it's someone from the Mahal?"

"I don't know," Shivaay admitted, his gaze distant. "But if it is... I need to know why and who."

And in his heart, he already suspected he knew the answer.

"Also tomorrow, get me on the call with Jammu's intelligence's chief, Randhawa, whoever it is, and go visit the headquarts; we need to get to him."

###