Brute's Paradise

Chapter 36 - "Sinking hope..."

"I'm on the verge of pushing my thoughts aside and forcing myself to sleep when my phone buzzes. Instinctively, I glance at Manik, then reach for it. Aliya! A frown creases my forehead. Why is she calling at this hour? Just as my thumb hovers over the green button, the call cuts off. I freeze for a beat, trying to make sense of it. A misdial? Maybe. Still, something tugs at my nerves. I call her back. Switched off. That's... odd. I exhale slowly and place the phone on the side table. Fine. Maybe it really was accidental. I'll talk to her tomorrow anyway...she's the another one who can help me trace the Notorious 5 keychain. I need to know if Dhruv still has it... and what that means for us. A sigh escapes me, heavy and tight. Tomorrow isn't just another day. It's the first step of a mission. A mission to protect Manik. A mission to protect us."

Nandini curls into the comforter, letting sleep claim her...unaware that the night has already begun whispering its warnings.

.......................................

"Navya, please come to my cabin."

Cabir's voice cuts through the intercom, stern, clipped, already irritated. He disconnects before she can respond. Five minutes later, Navya steps into his cabin. Cabir doesn't look up; his fingers keep dancing over the laptop keys.

"What's the update on the Raheja project? Did they approve our changes?"

He asks curtly.

"Dhruv is handling them. He was supposed to meet their team today."

She replies.

Cabir finally pauses.

"And... did he?"

"I'm not sure. I called him twice this morning, but he didn't pick up."

There's a thread of annoyance in her tone. Cabir's eyes rise, brows knitting.

"He hasn't come to the office yet?"

Cabir enquires,

"No. In fact... he left quite early last night too."

Navya states. Cabir exhales sharply and immediately dials his brother. The brief, hollow ring ends in silence. He tosses the phone on the table with a frustrated flick.

"Irresponsible!"

He mutters.

Only then does he actually see Navya. Her face is pale. Her eyes look puffed, as though sleep has been rationed. His gaze falters downward...towards her stomach. Is it slightly more pronounced? His chest tightens with an unfamiliar tug of guilt. Which month is she in now? When is the due date? How is it that he doesn't know any of this? Navya stands quietly, waiting. That, somehow, hurts even more. Cabir clears his throat. His voice softens...awkward, unsteady.

"Navya... umm... I think you should take some days off. You look exhausted."

"No need, Sir. I'm fine. These are normal pregnancy signs. And anyway, I'll have to take maternity leave later. I don't want to waste my medical leaves now...it'll affect my salary. And I can't afford a pay cut."

Her voice trembles with something she's trying hard to hide. Cabir's jaw clenches.

"I never said your salary would be cut if you take leave. I'm not as inhuman as you think I am."

The bitterness in his voice surprises even him. Navya stays silent. She knows he cares. But she also knows caring from a distance is easy. Responsibility isn't.

Cabir tries again.

"Umm... when's the expected date? Did you ask the doctor? And which doctor are you consulting? I hope they're reliable and..."