Brute's Paradise

Chapter 39 - "Reconciliation..."

"For the last time, I glance up. Cabir's balcony is still glowing beneath the warm yellow light, the glass sliding door firmly shut. I know his routine well enough. At this hour, he would be sitting in that balcony chair, drink in hand, some soft music playing in the background. Once he gets home from the office, the world practically ceases to exist for him. Phones remain unanswered. Calls can wait. I bite my lower lip. If Nandini hadn't pleaded with me like that, I wouldn't be standing here tonight. My fingers instinctively brush against the keychain tucked inside my pocket...the one Nandini gave me. Just feeling it reminds me why I am here. I take a slow breath, push my hesitation aside, and step into the lift. A few minutes later, I'm standing outside Cabir's flat. I press the doorbell. Nothing. I wait. Then ring it again. Still nothing. I glance at the door, suddenly wondering if I've made a mistake. Just when I'm about to turn away...CLICK. The door swings open. Cabir stands there, staring at me. Surprise flashes across his face. Honestly, I can't blame him. At this hour, and after everything between us, I'm probably the last person he expected to find standing at his doorstep."

"You?"

Cabir stares at her, astonished. Navya ignores him and walks inside.

"I need your help with tomorrow's presentation."

The excuse comes out confidently. At this point, she can't think of anything better. Without giving him a chance to question her, Navya settles onto the sofa. Cabir heads to the bar, pours himself a drink, and takes the seat opposite her.

"Want something? Tea... coffee? You shouldn't be drinking alcohol in your condition."

He gestures toward her. Navya manages a faint smile. How strange. When did they become this distant?

"Nothing. I won't take long. Can I use your laptop?"

She points to the laptop bag beside him. Cabir nods and reaches for it. That's her opening. Navya quietly pulls out a pendrive...and the keychain...from her pocket. She places both on the table, right where he can't miss them. The pendrive is her excuse. The keychain is the real test. Now she waits for Cabir to notice it. Cabir's hand stops midway. His eyes fall on the keychain. For a second, he doesn't breathe.

"Where did you get this?"

Navya keeps her expression neutral.

"This? Oh... Actually, Nandini came to meet me yesterday. She forgot it in the restaurant. I will give it back to her.

Maybe Cabir doesn't buy it. His gaze remains fixed on the keychain. Then, without a word, he gets up. He walks to a drawer, opens it, and pulls something out. Another keychain. The Notorious 5 keychain. He places it beside the one on the table. Navya's pulse jumps. They're identical. Cabir looks from the keychain to Navya.

"Now tell me the real reason you're here."

Cabir's eyes narrow.

"The presentation? My help? Or this little story about Nandini losing her keychain?"

He gives a humourless smile.

"Bullshit. Spill it."

Navya gulps. She's caught. No more lies. If she wants Cabir's trust, she has to tell him everything. She takes a deep breath...and begins.

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

"Hmmm... so Nandini sent you to find out whether I was the one who shot Manik that night at the Lakehouse?"

A bitter laugh escapes Cabir.

"Ha... ha... pathetic detective...and her even more pathetic assistant."