Chapter 14- Three Messages, Three Meetings.
She extended her hand.
"Hello, Mr. Aarav Raj Patel. I'm Pari Shah."
Silence settled between them-
A silence filled with power, recognition, and the start of a new alliance.
Pari stepped out of the lift, the doors gliding shut behind her with a soft metallic sigh. Her nerves were still buzzing from everything that had happened upstairs. She just wanted to slip out of the hotel quietly, maybe grab a cab, breathe for two minutes-
But then she saw him.
Soo Han.
Still sitting on the same lobby couch. Still waiting. Still wearing that patient, hopeful expression that made everything ten times harder.
Oh no... Pari groaned internally.
Her first instinct? Escape.
Her second? Run faster.
But then the guilt pricked her. She wasn't the type to sneak away like a coward. Not when someone was waiting for her so sincerely.
So she inhaled, straightened her posture, and walked directly toward him.
Soo Han noticed her instantly. His entire face lit up like a child who just spotted cotton candy at a fair. He sprang to his feet.
"Thank God you came back," he said, visibly relieved. "I thought maybe you wouldn't... and actually I wanted to meet you since-"
Pari raised a hand, stopping him mid-sentence.
"Han, look... I'm extremely busy right now," she said, keeping her tone gentle but firm. "I really should've told you not to wait. So if you wanted to say something important-please make it quick. I don't have time today."
She didn't want to answer any of his curious, unexpected questions. Not today. Not after the chaos she came from.
Soo Han blinked, surprised but trying hard not to show it. His gaze dropped for a second, a small flicker of awkwardness passing over him. Then he smiled again-soft, understanding.
"That's alright," he said quietly. "I should've known you are working. If you're busy... you can go. We will meet tomorrow."
Pari froze mid-step.
Her head whipped toward him dramatically-like an Indian TV serial heroine realizing a plot twist.
"What?! Meet tomorrow? Why tomorrow?"
Soo Han nodded with full confidence, as if his logic was the most obvious thing on earth.
"Well... since you're busy today, I won't disturb you. But tomorrow is Sunday, right? You might be free. So maybe... we can make a plan?" He paused, then suddenly remembered something. "Ah! Wait."
Before she could react, he dashed toward the reception and politely asked for a paper and pen. The receptionist gave it to him with a confused smile.
He returned to Pari, holding them out.
"Here. Write down your number. I'll contact you," he said, almost shyly.
"And... please don't say no."
His voice dipped lower, more serious. "One of my main reasons for coming to India... was you."
Everything around Pari momentarily blurred.
Me?
One of his reasons?
What is this boy saying?!
"Oh... but I-"
"Don't say no. Please." he insisted, eyes honest, tone unexpectedly intense.
Pari exhaled slowly. For a few seconds, the world hung still around them. Then she nodded, almost reluctantly.
"Fine," she murmured, taking the paper.
Without any further commentary-because she knew if she spoke, she would overthink-she scribbled her number down and handed it back.
"That's so much like you," Soo Han said softly, a fond smile tugging at his lips.
"You can decide the time and place," she replied. "Okay?"
He accepted the paper like it was some trophy. "Thank you. I'll message you."
Pari took a step back. "Uh... so, I'll leave now."
"Yeah, sure. I'll leave after you go."
Pari blinked at that, caught off-guard.
A little rizz on a Saturday afternoon?
She cleared her throat.
"Uh-okay. As you wish."
And she hurried off, heels tapping quickly across the marble floor.
While walking out, she muttered under her breath, "Kids nowadays..."
Behind her, Soo Han watched her leave with a satisfied smile, then finally walked out himself.
-
BACK TO PRESENT
"...and that," Pari concluded, leaning back, "is exactly what happened. And how I struck that deal with Aarav."
Mr. Sharma stared at her, then at Rahul, as if trying to process two disasters at once.
"Well, agents," he began, clearing his throat, "I'm glad to inform you that the Patil Vendor has taken his money and flown out of India. But-"
"What?!" Rahul almost fell out of his chair. "What do you mean he flew? And how is that something to be glad about?!"
Pari folded her hands, staring at him in disbelief.
Mr Sharma said loudly, How is this boy an agent?
Then he raised his hand, silencing Rahul.
"Rahul, let me complete."
He continued calmly, "Our agents informed the police before anything happened. So the moment Patil Vendor attempted to escape... the police caught him. He is currently under strict investigation."
Rahul sagged in relief. "Oh. Ha ha ha... sorry, sir! I thought-okay, never mind." He rubbed his eyes. "Sir, now that he's caught... can I please go to sleep? I haven't slept at all during this mission."
Mr. Sharma waved a hand in irritation. "Do whatever you want."
Rahul didn't wait. He sprinted out, only pausing to wave at Pari.
"Bye, ma'am! Hope to see you soon!"
Pari lifted a hand in return, amused.
Once he left, Mr. Sharma turned to her. "Now explain everything. Properly."
Pari told him about the interview, Aarav's change of mind, and every detail that led to the result.
He listened with approval in his eyes.
"Great job, Pari beta. I expected nothing less. See how well you're doing?"
"Sharma ji," she warned, "don't sweet-talk me."
"I wanted to tell you something," she continued.
"Say, I'm listening."
"Rahul-the new agent. He's good. Very good, actually. Quick-minded. A little foolish," she added honestly, "but smart in unexpected ways. And his work impressed me. Coding... fast thinking... everything."
Mr. Sharma stared as if she had just said the sky turned green.
"You're saying that brat is good?!"
Pari shrugged. "Even you know I don't call anyone impressive easily. So maybe... go a little easy on him."
Mr. Sharma opened his mouth, then closed it. For the first time, he had no argument.
Pari smirked slightly, picking up her bag.
Before leaving, she added casually, "By the way-great job on parenting your son Rahul. Just... go easy on him, sir."
Mr. Sharma shot straight up from his chair.
"Wait-WHAT? You knew he was my son?! I never told you!"
"Are you a mind reader?!"
Pari laughed under her breath. "Nope. I'm not. But remember-I met him once before in India."
"That's not enough to guess he's my son! That meeting was hardly five minutes!" he protested.
"True," Pari said, moving toward the door. "But I remember that goofy kid... and the irritated dad yelling at him. Plus, I notice details. Always."
She winked.
"There are always small clues that add up."
And with that, she walked out-leaving Mr. Sharma staring after her as if he had just seen a ghost.
AT THE HOUSE, 10:00 PM.
Pari unlocked the door of her house and stepped inside, exhaustion settling into her shoulders. She had expected quiet-maybe even peace-but instead she found Veer and Zain sitting on the couch, mid-conversation.
Both men looked up at her at the same time.
An awkward, stiff silence hovered before they gave her a polite, slightly uncomfortable greeting.
Pari blinked.
"You both... had dinner already?"
Veer nodded, voice unexpectedly warm and deep.
"Yeah, we did. It's 10 p.m. already."
Then he tilted his head. "Why? You didn't eat?"
She felt her stomach drop.
"Uhhh... I would not like to answer that."
She cleared her throat. "Anyway, I just wanted to ask-do you two prefer outside food? I, um... I'm used to eating ordered food. So ordering something late at night is okay with you both, right?"
Zain answered before Veer could.
"Yeah, yeah, no problem. We'll eat anything."
Pari squinted at him.
"I wasn't asking you what you'd eat, Zain. I was just confirming if you two don't mind me ordering late-night food."
"Oh!" Zain scratched the back of his head, turning visibly red. "Yeah-I mean-of course-uhh-"
Suddenly he looked at his phone as if it had burst into flames.
"Oh wait!! I got a call!! Helloo!!"
The call was clearly imaginary, but he bolted upstairs so fast it looked like he was escaping a crime scene.
Veer pressed a hand over his mouth, trying not to laugh. A soft chuckle escaped anyway.
Pari frowned.
"What? You don't mind, right? The food thing?"
Veer shook his head.
"No, I don't mind. But... do you always eat outside food? Also-aren't you hungry right now?"
Pari instantly looked away.
"Nah. I'll skip dinner. Bye."
She fled the conversation because being alone around Veer still felt too... intense. Too close.
She closed her bedroom door and leaned against it. Her chest felt tight, her mind buzzing with tonight's chaos.
Minutes passed-maybe ten, maybe twenty-before someone knocked gently on her door.
Pari froze.
Another soft knock.
"Pari?" It was Veer's voice-low, controlled, but with something almost hesitant in it. "Are you there?"
She opened the door halfway.
"What happened? Do you... need something?"
Veer stood there awkwardly, hands in his pockets, hair slightly messy-as if he'd been running a hand through it repeatedly.
"No," he said. "Actually... I was making some soup for myself. And I accidentally made extra so... do you want some?"
Pari stared at him.
"You were making soup? At this hour? But didn't you already have dinner?"
Veer shrugged, tone turning slightly defensive yet soft.
"It's my wish. Just tell me if you want it or not. Otherwise it'll go to waste."
Pari sighed.
"Fine, fine. Since you made it, give it."
She took the bowl quickly. "And... thanks."
Before anything could get more awkward, she closed the door.
Veer smiled-one of those rare, secretive smiles he didn't show the world-and walked away quietly, almost shyly.
---
Scene Shift - Anvika
The parking lot was unusually silent when Anvika walked toward her car, shoulders slumped, steps slow. She had never felt this drained-not mentally, not emotionally.
"Senior!! Anvika Ma'am!! Wait for me! I'm coming!!"
She closed her eyes.
Of all people... Saurav.
"Anvika!" he called again, breathless.
She finally turned.
"Saurav... I'm not in the mood. I can't listen to anyone anymore. I'm sorry, but I'll leave."
Saurav's eyes widened dramatically.
"Oh my god. I've never seen you this low. Where is the bright girl I always know?"
His voice softened. "Chill, Anvika. It wasn't your fault. So don't take it on yourself."
She looked away, jaw ticking.
Saurav continued, gentler this time.
"Honestly, today shocked me too. Even I didn't know our company had any involvement with illegal drug dealings. It didn't make sense to me either."
He paused, hesitating.
"But one thing I still don't understand-who planned all this? Getting an interview from that CEO, Aarav... that itself was shocking. And the report? That was too detailed. Too precise. Almost planned."
That made Anvika stop walking.
"What do you mean getting an interview was shocking?" she asked.
Saurav leaned against the car.
"I mean... the CEO of Rosemont Grand is known to be an isolated, strict businessman. He never entertains interviews. Never keeps connections. No media, no public appearance. Nothing. That's why today was... unexpected."
"Oh." Anvika rubbed her forehead. "Even then... one thing doesn't make sense. Why the hell is our CEO not showing up? Even in a crisis? What are we supposed to understand from that?"
Saurav shrugged.
"Idk... maybe he thinks being nonchalant makes him cool."
He waved that thought off.
"But seriously-you're not taking Carlo's advice seriously, right?"
"You mean... the leaving part?" Anvika whispered.
She sighed.
"I don't know. My trust in this company is already gone. After everything... I feel like something is terribly wrong."
Saurav opened his mouth to say something more but stopped himself.
"Just go home, Anvika. Rest. We'll think about everything later."
She nodded.
But then Saurav added quietly, almost thinking aloud,
"Also... idk why but this kept tickling my mind. Do you think your colleagues have anything to do with this mess?"
Anvika froze.
"What?" she whispered-but Saurav immediately shook his head.
"Nah nah-it's probably just my confusion. Forget it."
They exchanged an awkward goodbye.
But all the way home, the thought gnawed at Anvika, drilling deeper into her mind.
Could someone from her team actually be connected to all this?
She reached home, changed into something comfortable, and sat on her bed, thinking-rewinding everything-every detail, every red flag-for hours.
Her mind went to one person.
One name.
Zain.
Her fingers hovered over her phone.
Should she call him?
Should she ignore it?
Would he even talk?
After several minutes of hesitation, she inhaled sharply and clicked his name.
The call rang.
11:30 pm.
Anvika stared at her phone screen, the call timer barely reaching two seconds before she ended it. Her heart thudded loudly in her chest.
What am I doing?
It wasn't right. Not at this hour. Not when her mind was filled with overwhelming questions she wasn't ready to voice.
She exhaled shakily and sank onto the edge of her bed.
Let's just message him... It's better this way. Tomorrow. Tomorrow will be clearer.
Hands trembling slightly, she unlocked her phone and began typing.
Hello Zain.
Anvika here. Actually, I wanted to meet up with you and talk about something important.
I won't be able to say it over chats or a call.
Can we meet tomorrow if possible?
Please don't say no... it's very important for me.
Her thumb hesitated-just a fraction of a second-before she hit send.
The message whooshed away, leaving her alone with the weight pressing on her chest.
She placed her phone aside, pulled the blanket over herself, and closed her eyes.
But sleep refused to come.
Her thoughts kept returning to Zain... to the company... to Saurav's strange comment.
And the question that scared her the most:
What if tomorrow changes everything?
SAME TIME - PARI'S ROOM
Pari's phone buzzed against the bedsheet. She lazily reached for it, expecting a random notification.
But her eyes widened the second she saw the sender.
Soo Han.
Her breath caught.
Hey Noona!
How are you?
I'm sorry for messaging this late, actually I was busy...
The truth was far from it.
CUT TO - SOO HAN'S ROOM
He lay on his bed, phone above his face, hair messy, eyes wide with nerves.
He had rewritten the message at least twenty-seven times.
But how could he say that?
To her?
He had finally settled for the safest version and hit send before he could stop himself.
Now he stared at the ceiling, heart hammering like a teenager's.
BACK TO PARI
She kept reading.
So Noona, I thought we could meet tomorrow for a nice café-type lunch... somewhere peaceful.
I found a great café nearby.
Are you okay with that??
Pari sighed softly.
A café lunch wasn't a big deal. Right?
Still, she felt a strange flutter she immediately ignored.
She typed:
Okay. Let's meet tomorrow.
Time?
The message was short-borderline cold-but Soo Han reacted as if she'd sent him a love poem.
BACK TO SOO HAN
He jolted upright, nearly dropping his phone.
She agreed... She agreed!?
He started typing fast.
Great!! Let's meet tomorrow and I'll send you the location of the place and time...
You can decide-
He deleted that last line instantly.
Too desperate.
He retyped:
Let's meet at 2:00 pm actually... I have a shoot before that.
Ha ha! ^_^
He stared at the message.
Too cute?
Not cute enough?
He pressed send before he could spiral again.
PARI AGAIN
She read it, and the corners of her lips twitched.
It was odd-reading his cute, excited tone-because his books were the exact opposite. Mature. Calm. Deep.
The Soo Han she knew on paper was composed genius.
This Soo Han was...
Adorably flustered?
She typed:
Fine. I'll come by 2.
Across the city, Soo Han almost fell off his bed in excitement.
He didn't know why he felt this type of nervous thrill, but something about meeting her tomorrow felt...
Different.
AT THE SAME MOMENT - VEER'S ROOM
Veer's phone vibrated on his desk. He wiped his hair with a towel, fresh from a shower, and picked it up.
The name on the screen made him straighten instantly.
Mr. Mahesh Roy.
Veer opened the message without delay.
Hello Veer,
I have reached Mumbai today and was planning to meet you tomorrow as quickly as possible.
If you don't mind, can we meet tomorrow afternoon at Aroma Café near New Line Road?
I'll send the location if you agree.
Veer's pulse quickened.
This was the message he had been waiting for.
This meeting... held answers he was desperate for.
He replied immediately.
Yes sir!
Let's meet.
I'll come tomorrow.
Another message arrived:
Okay then, I'll send the address and time.
Veer placed the phone aside with a deep breath.
A strange sensation lingered in his chest-anticipation twisted with unease.
As if tomorrow would bring something big.
Something that could change the direction of everything.
Something that felt dangerously close.