I glare at him. “You know me better than to think I’d need that reminder.”
“I do,” he admits. “I just wanted to make sure you’re in this for the right reasons.”
My jaw tightens slightly. “We’ve already had this conversation. You know exactly how I feel.”
He nods before changing the subject. “Any updates on Prakash?”
I exhale sharply, the mood darkening. “The cops are keeping it tight, and we’re feeding them everything we’ve got. I have to say, Nisha’s testimony really helped strengthen our case.”
“Did Prakash confess to how he murdered Suman?”
“Yeah, he did.” I take a breath, then look him square in the eye. “Turns out, the bastard called Suman that night and blackmailed her into meeting him alone at the old factory. Said if she didn’t, he’d leak the video of her being raped.”
Reyansh’s hands ball into fists, his face hardening.
“She showed up, begging him to delete the video. Instead, he stabbed her.”
Reyansh closes his eyes, a muscle in his jaw ticking. “Son of a bitch.”
I nod and continue. “Apart from his confession, I pulled the call records, got the cell tower pings from that night, and recovered the old burner phone he used. It had enough dirt to bury him. We even found a message Suman had tried to send Kavya just minutes before she died—a half-sent message thatnever went through, saying she was scared and that Prakash was behind all of this.”
“He deserves worse than prison,” Reyansh mutters.
“Yeah,” I say coldly. “But for now, we’ll make damn sure he never sees the light of day again.”
He leans back. “I always knew you had this darkness in you. The kind that doesn’t stop until it’s done.”
I shrug. “I’m the best at my job. No one can come close.”
He grins. “Cocky as hell.”
“Guilty as charged,” I say, getting to my feet and brushing imaginary dust off my jeans. “Alright, lover boy, I should get going. Got a few things to wrap up before the day ends.”
Reyansh stands with me, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “Thanks, man. For all of it.”
“You don’t have to go all formal on me now with the thank-you speech,” I smirk, shaking my head. “You know damn well I didn’t do it as a favour to you.”
Reyansh raises a brow, and I wink. “I’m doing this for myself.”
“Of course you are, asshole.” He grins mischievously.
“Takes one to know one,” I say, heading for the door and sliding behind the wheel.
As I drive, a thought hits me. Looking out for Nisha won’t just bring trouble, but it’s going to hit closer to my heart than I’m ready for. And that’s the kind of danger I usually steer clear of. But now, I’m already in too deep to back out.
Chapter 7
Nisha
A soft smile spreads across my lips as I watch my sister and Reyansh on stage, greeting their guests. Seeing Kavya in that red lehenga, beautiful, graceful, and glowing with joy, feels like one of the most breathtaking moments I’ve ever witnessed. I can’t help but think back to just a few hours ago, when they took their pheras and exchanged vows that came straight from the heart. Even the pandit couldn’t hide his amused smile, clearly touched by how their personal promises outshone the traditional ones.
My eyes drift around the grand banquet hall of the Taj Hotel, where the reception is in full swing, alive with elegant decor, soft music floating through the air, and happy faces all around. Standing just below the stage, I glance down at my hands, nervously fidgeting with my fingers.
God, how I wish Mom and Dad were here. This is what every parent dreams of—seeing their daughter glowing in her wedding attire, stepping into a new chapter of her life surrounded by love. But they’re not here with us. And I know Kavya feels it too. I saw it in her eyes when she glanced at the empty seats where they should’ve been sitting.
My breathing turns uneven, the ache of their absence almost unbearable.
But Kavya, being Kavya, senses the shift in my mood. I look up to find her eyes on mine, knowing just like they’ve been ever since she stepped onto that stage.
