Author's POV

Have you heard of a slow poison? A slow poison does not cause instant death. Instead, it breaks you bit by bit, piece by piece, until your body finally stops working.

Karan Reddy was a renowned name in the corporate world. Having established two successful business ventures, he was thriving.

However, only a few were aware of who he was behind closed doors. He was involved in trafficking drugs, raw materials, and girls. Not only was he engaged in trafficking, but he was also involved in tax manipulation and illegal possession of properties. Many families were destroyed because of his greed for power and lust, which ruined countless girls’ lives and left them with lifelong trauma.

There's a saying -
Naam aur Paisa ho toh kanun bhi tumhare aage jhuk jaata hai.
(With your fame and power, you can even control the judiciary.)

And he? He made sure to enjoy this privilege for his own benefit. No one could fight against him, and those who tried were silenced.

But as they say, arrogance pulls you down with ten times the force to face the consequences of your actions.

In his case, his end is nearer than he thinks because the people working behind his downfall have sworn to bring justice for every tear shed because of him.

“Sir, this is his tax return along with the financial statements of his ventures for the previous financial year,” Ishika said, forwarding a file to Zeeshan. “According to this, he is earning only two lakh per month, which is just one percent of his actual monthly income. The rest of his earnings are not included because they come from illegal sources.”

Zeeshan nodded. “Okay, thank you.”

Ishika nodded and returned to her work.

Flipping through the pages, Zeeshan’s eyes scanned the entries. All of it was a scam.

Just then, he received a text from an unknown number from South Africa.

“2010-2015 financial statements of R Chemicals Pvt Ltd.”

His brows furrowed in confusion. Who was this person? Why were they sending this to him?

“Who are you?” he texted back. There was no reply. He even called the number, but he was too late. The phone was already switched off.

“Dev,” Zeeshan called out.

Dev, who was discussing something with Vidit, walked toward him.

“Help me trace this number, please,” Zeeshan said, handing his phone to Dev.

“Okay, boss. Give me some time,” Dev replied, copying the number and making a few calls.

“Aadhe ghante mei ho jaega boss.”
(Will be done in half an hour, boss.)

Zeeshan nodded and sat on the nearest chair. The exhaustion from the day was beginning to take a toll on him.

He leaned against the headrest, closing his eyes. Just then, a pair of hands reached out and began massaging his head, hands he could recognize anytime.

He reached out, placed a quick kiss on her hand, and muttered, “You are here.”

“Mhm,” came Ayesha’s soft voice.

“You look tired,” she added.

He shook his head, opening his eyes and coming face to face with her serene expression. She gave him her brightest smile, making him smile involuntarily.

“Did you eat?” she asked as he gently grabbed her wrist and pulled her in front of him.

“I did,” he replied, pulling a chair closer and gesturing for her to sit. She nodded and sat down.

“So, what’s the status?” she asked, flipping through the files in front of him.

“We are planning to file a complaint with the income tax department to get them to raid his place,” Zeeshan explained, giving her a rundown of their plan and how they intended to execute it.

“And what do we have so far?” she asked, making rough notes of the evidence they had gathered and how much more they needed.

“We have details of a few illegal properties, some dormant subsidiary companies under his name, and a few other things, but it’s not enough,” Zeeshan replied.

Ayesha nodded in understanding.

“Boss, the number is secured. We cannot locate it,” Dev informed.

“Alright,” Zeeshan responded, later explaining everything about the number to Ayesha, who nodded thoughtfully.

Ayesha's POV

It was around 3 a.m. when we decided to have a final meeting and wrap up for the day.

Zeeshan sat in front of me while the rest of the team took their seats around the table in the conference hall.

Vidit bhai was in charge of handling the meeting that day.

And I was finding it very, very, very hard to focus because a menace called Zeeshan Kapoor was staring at me unapologetically and deeply.

His gaze made my heart race uncontrollably, clearly showing the effect his eyes had on me since the day ours met through that rearview mirror.

I could see everyone trying their best not to doze off, and here he was, boring holes into my skull with his enchanting eyes.

“Before you guys doze off right here, let’s have a refreshment break of 15 minutes,” Vidit bhai said, loudly tapping on the table and making all of us flinch. Well, all except Zeeshan Kapoor, because that man resembled a statue.

“So?” I said, tapping on his side of the table.

“So?” he asked, snapping out of God knows what thoughts.

“Are you going to stop staring and do some work?” I asked, sighing.

Leaning forward, he half lay on the table with his hands tucked under his head. I raised my eyebrows, waiting for him to continue.

Tilting his head slightly, with a soft smile, he muttered, “I am trying, Aayat.”

“Can't help it, I am awestruck.” And there goes my heart, skipping beats.

“S-Shut up,” I stuttered, clearing my throat.

“I have completely lost it, you know,” he said softly.

“How?”

“Aap ek baar issi sharam se meri jaan maangoge mai woh bhi dedunga,” he replied, placing his hand on the left side of his chest with a sigh.
(If you ask for my life with that same shyness, I would hand it over without a second thought.)

“Zeeshan?” I called out.

“Yes?”

“Aap sudharne ka kya log?” I asked sarcastically.
(What will it take for you to behave?)

“Aap kya doge? A hug? A kiss? Or…” he replied shamelessly, smiling mischievously, though I cut him off, muttering, “Shut up,” and looking around to see if someone had heard us, which thankfully no one had.
(What are you offering? A hug? A kiss? Or..)

And he, like the shameless man he is, started laughing loudly, making me smile involuntarily.

Oh, how I love this man.

Soon we were back to work, and this time he was looking at the front instead of at me.

Thankfully. Because I do not think I could have handled his gaze anymore.

Zeeshan's POV

My eyes flickered to her face for the nth time today. I just cannot help it. I have completely lost it, and I am not even mad about it.

Today is our first day as a couple by choice, a day I never thought would come.

“Zeeshan.”

“ZEESHAN FUCKING KAPOOR.” Vidit’s shrill shout reached my ears, breaking my chain of thoughts.

“WHAT?” I asked, glaring at him.

“Saale dhyan idhar rakh agli baar divider laga kar bithaunga tum dono ko,” he gritted through his teeth with a sweet smile.
(Pay attention here asshole, or next time I’ll make you two sit with a divider between you.)

I secretly flipped him off with both my fingers, wearing the sweetest smile I could muster. In response, he showed his tongue at me but continued nonetheless.

“Alright, with that being said, I would like to conclude this meeting with some good news. We have arranged sufficient proof to file a complaint with the income tax department, especially those financial statements from R CHEMICALS PVT. LTD. Ishani, will you be able to file the complaint?” Vidit said.

“Sure, sir,” Ishani replied, nodding firmly.

Finally, he shouted excitedly, “Alright, meeting dismissed.”

All of us immediately packed our things, calling it a day.

“See you tomorrow,” she said with a soft smile. I nodded back at her before she engaged in a few goodbye conversations with Ritika.

But you did not think I was a gentleman, did you?

Because the moment she reached her car, I pulled her into my arms with a sudden jerk, gripping her right arm.

“Wha...” she gasped.

“Won’t you meet your boyfriend, Miss Mehra?” I whispered softly, giving her a few seconds to process what had just happened.

“Are you mad? Koi dekh lega,” she whispered, scratching at my hand and trying to free herself, but I only tightened my grip.
(Someone might catch us.)

“Shh,” I said, pulling her closer by her waist, her scent completely engulfing me.

“Zeeshan,” she warned, glaring at me, though her flushed cheeks and soft voice said otherwise.

I simply looked at her, my gaze flickering to the tiny mole just below her eye, almost unnoticeable from afar.

“Zeeshan,” she said softly, making me hum in response.

“Both of us need rest for work tomorrow,” she whispered, leaning closer.

My heart thudded wildly, and she made it worse by placing a lingering peck on my left cheek.

What.
The hell.
Just happened?

“D-Did you just...” I stuttered, my hand involuntarily touching the spot where she had just kissed me.

Chuckling softly, she said, “I did.” Dropping another gentle peck on my right cheek made my eyes widen in pure shock.

“Y-You...” I stuttered, loosening my grip as she chuckled and took the opportunity to run away.

Only to fail because I reacted quickly and grabbed her waist, pulling her closer. I muttered, “Two.”

“Huh?” she asked, confusion lacing her voice.

“You gave me two kisses. It is only fair I return them to you.” Pushing a strand of her hair back, I replied, looking at her.

She laced her hands around my neck and muttered, “Oh really?”

“Mhm.” My hold on her waist tightened.

My restraint was hanging by a thin thread, and she was doing everything to break it.

And I love that about her.

“Do it,” she challenged, taking a step closer and staring right into my eyes. “Return them.”

Oh, I would, my love. But certainly now is not the time.

I gently laced my fingers with hers, brushing those delicate fingers softly with my lips without breaking eye contact. I whispered, “proper shaadi k baad.”
(After our proper wedding.)

She gave me a breathtaking smile, the kind I would die for.

“Let me drop you home,” I added, gently caressing her face with my thumb.

“No.”

“No?”

“Mhm. You are going home in your car, and I am going home in mine. I do not need you to give me special treatment just because we are dating. Just take care of yourself for me,” she reasoned, lightly patting my cheeks.

I shook my head.

She nodded and slowly pulled away.

I did not let her.

She pleaded wordlessly with an irresistible pout. I finally pulled away, sighing.

“It is late. Let me drop you home,” I tried once again.

“And my boyfriend himself was my trainer who taught me how to fight,” she said, taking small steps backward.

“Bu...” I could not finish my sentence because she ran away giggling, started her car, and drove off, blowing me a flying kiss.

Ah, I love her more than anything.

Quickly starting my car, I drove behind her, far enough so she would not notice and close enough to keep my peace of mind. I only turned back home after she parked safely in her parking lot.

Ayesha’s pov

I knew he was following me, but I did not react. After reaching home, I quickly freshened up and lay on my bed, letting sleep engulf me.

The next morning, I had work a little later because the team was going directly to the investigation site. It was on the outskirts of the state, so the seniors gave us a few hours to prepare, which was perfect for me because I was going to tell my brother and sister in law everything.

I had kept it hidden for as long as I could because I did not have any solid proof. I just knew this news was going to break them, and it would break me to see them like that.

“What are you making, bhabhi?” I asked as I stepped into the kitchen, and the delicious smell immediately filled my nostrils.

“I am making some soup for all of us. The weather is very cold right now,” she replied, stirring the soup in the pressure cooker.

“Where is bhai?” I asked, peeking into the pot and making bhabhi chuckle.

“He is in his study, probably losing his mind over his inauguration ceremony,” she replied, chuckling, which made me laugh along.

“Is it done?” I asked as she turned off the stove. She nodded, looking slightly confused.

“Let’s go. I need to talk to you both about something.” I dragged her along with me to bhai’s study, where he was sitting with his face buried in a file.

“Bhai, come here,” I said, making bhabhi sit on the sofa. He looked at us in confusion but still came and sat next to her.

“Okay, there is something I need you both to know,” I started, taking a deep breath.

“Don’t tell me you got yourself a guy you are madly in love with?” bhai questioned, throwing a nasty side eye. Bhabhi smacked his knee, making him sulk dramatically.

I can only imagine how he is going to react when I actually bring a guy home.

“Okay, now seriously. I have been searching for something,” I said cautiously. They nodded, waiting for me to continue. Kneeling in front of them, I held one of their hands in each of mine.

“I it is about our parents,” I stuttered. “They were killed.”

I watched their faces slowly lose color, their eyes widening in disbelief.

“Wh...” bhai stuttered, too shocked to say anything. Bhabhi, on the other hand, was on the verge of losing consciousness. I quickly got up and fetched some water for her, which she drank desperately.

“What are you saying, Eshu? It was an accident, was it not?” bhai asked, his hands visibly shaking.

“It was a planned accident, bhai. You remember how I used to have severe nightmares until last year?” They nodded.

“I lied that I was having random dreams, but I would always dream about the accident. You had lost consciousness, and I was barely conscious that day. But in my dreams, I always saw a man checking if our parents were dead. His bracelet, in particular, has been imprinted in my mind for years. That is why I joined the CBI academy. I wanted to find out whether what I was seeing was real or just an illusion created by my mind.” I explained, telling them everything from the beginning, excluding certain parts that cannot be revealed, not now, not ever.

“All this while, my ma and pa’s souls waited for justice, and I? I never cared enough to investigate their accident,” bhabhi muttered as tears streamed down her face, exactly what I had feared.

“It is not true, bhabhi. You are not at fault. No one is except the criminal,” I whispered, wiping her tears softly, though they continued to fall.

“Apne bhai ko itna kabil nahi smjha tune ki ye baat usse bata sake tu?” bhai said, his eyes moist and his hands trembling.
(You didn’t trust your own brother enough to share this with him?)

“Apne bhai ko tootte hue nahi dekh skti thi mai, jisne mere liye sab sacrifice kardia jab usse khushi mili hai ussi se woh cheen nahi skti thi mai bhai,” I whispered, stating the truth that rarely anyone thought about.
(I couldn’t watch my brother fall apart. He gave up everything for me. When he finally found happiness, how could I be the reason it was taken away?)

Taking a deep breath, I held their hands and added, “Apni jaan dedungi lekin usko jeene nahi dungi and that’s my promise to you,” hoping they would hear the determination in my voice.
( I will sacrifice my own life but he will not live to for much longer and that's my promise to you.)

“We believe in you, but let us help you. I have contacts, and so does your bhabhi,” bhai said, clearing his throat as his grip on my hand tightened. Bhabhi nodded in agreement.

“Okay. This weekend, let’s meet the team and figure out the next plan,” I said with a small smile.

“Aur kya chupa rahi hai humse Eshu?” bhai asked, narrowing his eyes at me.
(What else are you hiding from us, Eshu?)

Uh. A husband?

“Nothing,” I said quickly. Nothing that you should be aware of.

He looked at me suspiciously. I looked at bhabhi and pouted. She chuckled and smacked bhai’s knee, making him wince like a dramatic child.

“Enough sacrificing for me. Now it is my turn to make sure both of you get all the happiness in this world,” I said softly but firmly. They looked at me with the same love I once saw in my parents’ eyes, the unconditional love of a parent for their child.

The next hour was spent telling them everything we had achieved so far and what we were currently working on, along with some future plans. They listened attentively, and like the best lawyer, bhabhi gave thoughtful and helpful inputs, which I made a mental note to discuss with the team later.

After that, I left for work, giving them much needed privacy after dropping this bomb on them.

“Come out,” I told Zeeshan as soon as he picked up the call.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Just come out, please,” I said, the desperation evident in my voice as I parked my car in a secluded corner of the lane.

“On my way,” he replied. I hummed and ended the call.

Two minutes later, he walked toward me in quick strides, and the moment he reached me, I wrapped my arms around him, making him take a step back because of the sudden hug.

“Hey,” he said softly, tightening his hold around me.

“I told them about mumma and papa’s murder,” I whispered, my vision blurring with tears.

He tightened his hold without a word, gently patting my hair and giving me all the comfort I needed in that moment.

After a few minutes, I pulled back and said, “I am fine now. Let’s go.”

He looked unsure, and I could see it, but thankfully he did not push. He simply squeezed my hand gently in silent support. Later, I immersed myself in the investigation, and so did he, keeping our little secret safe.