Author’s POV

It was around 12 am when Karan Reddy barged into his study, frantically searching through his drawers.

None of the guards knew what he was looking for or why he was so furious, but they nonetheless called his most daring man, Abhir Ahmed, who rushed in, cursing inwardly at the mess that had been created.

“Boss?” he asked, but Karan was so lost in his search that he paid no heed to his surroundings.

“BOSS!” Abhir shouted this time, finally grabbing Karan’s attention.

Furiously turning around, Karan shouted, “WHAT?” His deep voice echoed through the corridor.

“What are you looking for?” Abhir asked, keeping his composure though he was anything but calm because, according to him, that piece of shit had no right to shout at him, and he would take revenge for it one day.

“Who the fuck gave them information about my black money? None of it was revealed to the real world. It was kept secured in my study. THEN HOW THE FUCK DID THEY FIND OUT ABOUT MY ILLEGAL PROPERTIES AND EVEN GET ACTUAL PROOF OF IT?” Karan asked, calm at first but growing furious as his anger overtook his words and tone.

“But what is the actual problem, boss?” Abhir asked with a sigh.

“I received a call from Dwedi that an income tax complaint has been filed against me, and they have solid evidence against me this time,” Karan explained. “And he cannot do anything this time because the complaint is being handled directly by the higher authorities.”

“So what do we do now?” Abhir asked thoughtfully after a minute of silence.

“Do one thing. Leave for India this instant and settle this matter as soon as possible,” Karan instructed, his desperation evident in his voice.

“But boss, as you know, I am quite a businessman.” Abhir said, walking toward him and smirking internally.

Karan was baffled, to say the least. He had expected Abhir to merely obey his orders, let alone say something like that. “What are you saying?”

“What I mean is, Ek gali ka kutta bhi free mei kisi ki nahi chaat ta, mai toh fir bhi insaan hu.” Making himself comfortable in a chair, his eyes intensely held Karan’s gaze.
(Even a stray dog doesn’t lick someone's ass for free, and I am a human after all.)

“W-what do you want?” Karan asked through gritted teeth, but Abhir could not care less.

“Name all of your properties in London under my name. And I need the legal papers signed,” Abhir stated firmly, showing no signs of bargaining.

“Bu-” Karan was rudely cut off by Abhir.

“I will not move from this chair until those properties are mine. Time is ticking.” Tapping his watch, Abhir sat there leisurely while Karan’s blood boiled.

Sighing in defeat, Karan called his lawyer to draft the papers immediately and prepare them on a priority basis.

While Abhir was securing Karan’s properties for himself, Ayesha was busy sneaking out to get some of her work done.

Ayesha’s pov

After finishing work at the CBI office, I drove straight to Zeeshan’s house, not to meet him but for something more important.

“Hi, aunty,” I said as she opened the door.

“Ayeshaa, so good to see you, bacche,” she replied, smiling widely as she pulled me inside.

“Zeeshan is not home, right?” I asked for confirmation as she filled a glass of water for me.

“No, he is at work, right?” she asked in confusion.

“O-oh, y-right, he is,” I stuttered, feeling bad for lying to her.

“Yeah, so…” I awkwardly got up, fumbling, as aunty sat next to me.

This is scarier than criminals.

“Arre, sit,” aunty said, chuckling.

“J-ji,” I said, quickly sitting back down. The awkwardness lingered as I took another small sip of water, looking around.

“Kya khaegi meri beti?” she asked, her voice soft and warm.
(What is my daughter in the mood of having?)

“Nothing, aunty,” I said with a soft smile. “I actually came here to do something.”

“What is it?” she asked, taking my hands in hers with a smile. Her motherly warmth made my heart feel at peace.

“So, I am sure you remember Zeeshan’s birthday is coming up, and I want to surprise him with something,” I explained, giving her a brief idea of my plan.

“That’s so thoughtful of you, Ayesha beta,” she said, patting my cheek softly.

“So ” I began, but was cut off by Veer’s loud “ZEEVA MUMMA.”

“Yes, Veer?” she asked as he walked down the stairs.

“Hi, Veer,” I said excitedly as he walked toward us.

“Hii bhabhi… I mean didi,” he said nervously. My eyes widened at his words and my heart somehow began racing uncontrollably. Aunty, however, found it amusing for some reason.

“U-uh yeah, the video recording,” I stuttered again.

At this point, I was worried that aunty might think I had a problem with talking.

“Oh right, let’s go,” aunty replied, getting up.

“Veer, you must not tell Zeeshan that I was here, please?” I said, kneeling in front of him.

“Mujhe kya milega?” Veer asked mischievously, making aunty gasp.
(What's in it for me?)

“Kya chahiye aapko?” I asked, chuckling.
(What do you want?)

He walked closer to me and gestured for me to bend down. Confused, I lowered myself to his level.

Hiding his mouth with both his small wrists, he whispered, “Zee bhai k saath idhar rehne aa jao aap.”
(Will you please come stay here with Zee bhai?)

My eyes widened in surprise at his words, and I felt my cheeks heat up. “Soon,” I said softly, trying to steady my racing heart.

“But for that, you need to keep this a secret, okay?” I added. He nodded excitedly and ran back to his room, making me chuckle along with aunty.

“Let’s go, aunty,” I said. She nodded and walked toward what I assumed was her room, and I followed her.

“Aap baithiye idhar, let me set up my camera,” I said, pointing toward the reading nook in the corner of the room. Aunty nodded while I quickly set up my tripod and attached my spare phone to it.
(You sit here, let me set up my camera.)

“Okay, let’s start?” I asked, waiting for her approval after starting the recording. She nodded with a smile.

“Awesome. Hii, auntyyy,” I said excitedly.

“Hii betaa, You are a gem indeed for doing such a thoughtful gesture. And now coming back to my other gem, mera zeeshu,” aunty began.

“Happy birthday, zeeshu. You know he used to hate this nickname so much. His father and I along with his sister used to call him Zeeshu all the time. But then… Khair beeti baatein yaad nahi karni chaiye humei on the happiest occasion of my zeeshu’s birthday. You know, Zeeshu, when I held you for the first time, I felt the most content. Having your sister and you were the best things I received in this life, and I thank God every day. I may not have had a successful relationship, but I have two beautiful children who grew up so wonderfully,” she said with tears in her eyes.

“You know, Ayesha, bohot rota tha Zeeshan. Ek baar toh usne pura ghar sir pe utha lia tha because I stopped him from poking his own eyes,” she said, chuckling as if reliving those moments, making me smile involuntarily
(You know, Ayesha, Zeeshan used to cry a lot. Once, he turned the whole house upside down because I stopped him from poking his own eyes.)

“Did you ever feel that Zeeshan failed you?” I asked softly, my wrists clenched in nervousness.

“Never. Zeeshan has always made me proud. Whatever happened was my failed relationship, and my children had to face its consequences because of me. My Zeeshan did everything in his power to protect us and safeguard us from him. I could never think like that. Infact mujhe goroor hai apni parvarish par kyuki Zeeshan ne humesha sahi ka saath dia. Jis bete ne apni jaan laga di mere sir pe ek surakshit aur izzatdaar chath dene k liye usko failure kaise bula skti hu mai? How can I even think of him as a failure?” she said as tears streamed down her face.
(In fact, I take pride in my upbringing because Zeeshan has always stood by what is right. The son who gave everything he had to put a safe and respectable roof over my head, how could I ever call him a failure?)

I gently held her hands in mine while kneeling in front of her. She squeezed my hands and nodded, sniffing softly.

“Zeeshu, my baby, you are my pride. And if I am living, it is because of my three children. Do not forget that. And you know, now that Ayesha is with you, I am relieved. I know she will make sure that you are loved and happy. I love you so much. May God bless you with everything,” she said softly, ending her note with a flying kiss.

“Thank you, aunty,” I whispered. She nodded with a smile and gently kissed my forehead, making me smile.

“Beti ho meri, thank you nahi bolte,” she said, smiling and patting my cheeks softly. My heart warmed at her motherly love and affection.
(Don't thank me, you are a daughter to me.)

“I will go and record Veer’s note. I think you might want some time for yourself,” I said, getting up with a smile. She nodded softly.

Grabbing my things, I quietly walked out and closed the door behind me.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked on Veer’s room, the one next to aunty’s.

“Can I come in, Veer?” I asked as he opened the door.

Stepping aside with a cute smile, he nodded quickly and pulled a chair for me to sit.

“Aren’t you a gentleman?” I said, gently pulling his cheek and making him giggle.

“Would you like to surprise your Zee bhai with a birthday note, Veer?” I asked, setting up my tripod.

“YESSS,” he replied excitedly.

“Awesome. Come on, sit here,” I said, pointing toward the bed.

“Ready?” I asked as I switched on the recording. “And action.”

“Hi Zee bhaii, happy birthday!” he shouted excitedly, then looked at me to see if I had stopped recording.

Chuckling softly, I asked, “Do you want to give him a message, Veer?”

“Oh yes, hehe,” he giggled, slapping his forehead before saying, “Thank you Zee bhai for saving me from her. You are my p-pro.. ”

“Protector?” I suggested as he looked at me with a cute pout.

“Yes, protector. You are my protector, Zee bhai. Veer loves you dherrrr saaraa,” he said, stretching his arms wide.
(Veer loves you a lottttttt.)

I could not stop myself from pulling the little kid into my arms. I tickled him, making him giggle and say, “B-bas.”
(Stop)

“Okay, bas,” I laughed.
(Okay, stop.)

“Say bye to Zee bhai,” I said, pointing toward the camera that was still recording, which I had nearly forgotten about after lifting him into my lap. Taking a breath between giggles, he said, “Bye, Zee bhai.”

“You did so well, Veer. Good job,” I said. He shyly hid in my arms, making me chuckle.

Kapoor boys are shy babies for real.

“Do you think your Zee bhai will like it, Veer?” I asked, softly patting his head.

“Mhm,” he replied.

“Are you sleepy, little guy?” I cooed as I felt him relax in my arms. He nodded wordlessly and made himself comfortable.

“Let’s get you to bed, shall we?” I whispered, picking him up and tucking him properly under the covers.

Giving me a sleepy smile, he closed his eyes. My heart was bursting with love for the little guy. I dropped a gentle kiss on his forehead and quietly walked out, grabbing my things.

After saying goodbye to aunty, I drove straight to the investigation office. Bhai and bhabhi were coming as well.

“Where are you?” I asked, taking a U turn as soon as bhai picked up my call.

“Reaching in 10,” he replied from the other side.

“Cool, see you,” I said, ending the call and taking a right turn.

Zeeshan pov

She is still not here. It has been three hours since we left CBI office.

“Riti,” I called the only person who came to mind and who could tell me where she was.

“Yes, bhai?” she asked, walking toward me in confusion.

“Where is she?” I asked. My impatience apparently made her chuckle.

“Why don’t you call her and ask yourself?” she said, shrugging.

“I don’t want to look desperate,” I explained with a dramatic sigh.

“Woh tu hai, lagne ki jarurat nahi hai,” Vidit said, appearing out of nowhere.
(That you are, you don't have to worry about that.)

“I am not,” I defended.

I am, and I know that, but he does not need to know that I know.

“Yeah, and I was sulking in a corner like a two year old for three hours,” he said, raising his eyebrows and waiting for me to defend myself.

But I had nothing in my defense, so I just said, “Riti, you know there’s a funny video ”

“Abbee saale,” Vidit said, shutting my mouth with his hand.
(You fucker.)

I bit it, making him shout dramatically before saying, “kutteeee k bache.”
(Son of a dog.)

Giving him a challenging look, I walked away. It was better not to stay in his vicinity, or I might lose my mind.

Just as I was about to call her, I received another message from the same number.

“Karan Reddy’s most important man is leaving for India, and he will most probably land on Monday.”

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion, but before they could switch their phone off, I texted,

“Who the fuck are you, and why are you doing this?”

To my utter displeasure, I was left on seen, and the phone was later switched off when I tried calling again.

“Find out if someone from Karan Reddy’s team is leaving for India,” I said, calling Abhinav Khurana, who, as I had mentioned, had been closely keeping an eye on that fucker.

After his positive response, I ended the call and was just about to call Ayesha when two cars zoomed in. One was definitely hers, and the second was probably her brother’s.

I was going to meet her brother...for the first time.

“Are you ready to meet her brother, Zeeshu?” came Di’s voice as she appeared out of nowhere.

“I-Of course am. There’s nothing to be scared of,” I said, casually shrugging my shoulders.

“You look like you might faint any moment, Zeeshan,” her husband said, placing his hand on my shoulder.

“I won’t,” I replied, taking a deep breath and nodding to myself.

“Let’s see,” Di chuckled along with her husband.

“Aren’t you a little too happy after having a long vacation?” I asked, scoffing. How could she do nothing about this and just tease me?

“Oh, I am. But I can only imagine how you must be feeling, Zeeshu,” she whispered softly as they came closer. I gave her a betrayed look but later masked it with a genuine smile because Ayesha walked towards me smiling along with her bhabhi, but her brother’s face was as hard as stone.

“Adhvait Mehra,” he said, extending his hand toward me for a handshake as they stood in front of me.