Blood stained love

4

Next Day

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Arjun’s small apartment. Kaya stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her black lawyer’s coat. Her face was determined, her movements brisk, as though she had made up her mind about everything. Vasundhara sat on the couch, folding the few clothes they had managed to salvage from the rubble of their old home.

“Ma, we’ll be shifting to the rental house by evening,” Kaya said, checking her reflection one last time. “I’ve finalized everything. It’s small, but it’s safe and decent.”

Vasundhara nodded but didn’t look convinced. “You’ve already done so much, beta. Maybe Arjun can stay with us for a while? He’s like family now.”

Kaya stiffened, glancing at the kitchen where Arjun was noisily pretending to wash dishes. She lowered her voice. “He’s helped enough, Ma. I don’t want him to feel like we’re taking advantage of him. We’ll manage on our own.”

Arjun emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel, his expression unreadable. “Wow, thanks for the clarification, Kaya. Good to know I’m just a ‘helping hand.’” His voice was light, but the sarcasm was unmistakable.

“Arjun, I didn’t mean it like that—” Kaya began, but he held up a hand.

“It’s fine,” he said, forcing a smile. “You’ve got your rental house, your plans, and your big courtroom drama. I’ll stay out of your way.”

“Arjun—”

“I’ll stay here, okay? You two go ahead and settle into your perfect little rental house,” he added, his tone cutting.

Kaya sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly, but she didn’t push further. “Fine. I need to leave for court anyway.”

Arjun gave a short nod and turned back toward the kitchen, leaving Kaya and Vasundhara to exchange a brief, tense glance before Kaya grabbed her bag and left.

At the Court

The courtroom buzzed with quiet murmurs as Kaya stood at the petitioner’s table, her presence commanding despite her young age. The judge, an older man with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, flipped through the file she had submitted.

“Advocate Sharma,” he said, peering over his glasses. “Your petition to investigate the fire incident has been granted. However, I hope you have substantial evidence to back your claims. This court does not entertain baseless allegations.”

Kaya’s voice was steady as she replied, “Your Honor, I have reason to believe that this was not a random act of vandalism but a calculated attack. My preliminary findings suggest the involvement of Reyansh Malhotra’s men.”

The name “Reyansh Malhotra” sent a ripple through the room. Gasps, whispers, and exchanged glances filled the air. The judge’s eyebrows rose slightly, but he quickly composed himself.

“Reyansh Malhotra,” he repeated, his tone skeptical. “The renowned businessman? Currently based in Abu Dhabi?”

“Yes, Your Honor,” Kaya confirmed. “I’ve traced connections between the perpetrators and one of his shell companies. While Reyansh’s direct involvement is not yet proven, there is enough evidence to warrant an inquiry.”

The judge leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “This is a serious accusation, Advocate Sharma. If you’re wrong—”

“I’m not wrong,” she interrupted firmly. “And I’ll prove it.”

Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi

The sprawling villa sat atop a hill, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf. Reyansh paced the length of Dev's lavish office, a phone pressed to his ear.

“She’s digging too deep,” his voice was sharp, his tone agitated. “That girl is more resourceful than I expected.”

“You want us to handle it, sir?” a voice asked on the other end.

“No,” Reyansh snapped. “Not yet. I don’t want unnecessary attention. Let’s see how far Advocate Sharma is willing to go. She might trip herself up before she reaches me.”

As Reyansh ended the call, he turned to the plush armchair in the corner, where Dev sat, watching him with the calm intensity of a predator.

“So,” Dev said, his voice low and smooth, “ this Advocate Sharma. Isn't her story over yet ?”

Reyansh frowned, pouring himself a drink. “Just another idealistic lawyer trying to play the hero. But she’s making noise where she shouldn’t.”

Dev smirked, leaning back in the chair. “Interesting.”

Reyansh glanced at him warily. “You seem amused.”

“Oh, I am,” Dev replied, swirling his glass. “It’s been a while since someone dared to challenge our world. Let her play her little games. “

The Next Morning

Kaya stood in the mirror, straightening her crisp black coat. The air in her small temporary rental was thick with tension. Vasundhara sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clutching a small prayer book.

“Beta,” Vasundhara said softly, her voice trembling. “Be careful today.”

Kaya turned, forcing a reassuring smile. “Maa, it’s just another hearing. They can’t scare me.”

“But last time…” Vasundhara’s voice broke. “The threats, the fire—they’re dangerous people, Kaya. Maybe it’s time to step back.”

Kaya knelt beside her mother, taking her hands. “Maa, if I step back now, what’s the point of everything? The law has to stand for something, right?”

Vasundhara nodded reluctantly, tears brimming in her eyes. “Just promise me you’ll come back safe.”

Kaya smiled, kissing her mother’s hands. “Always.”

As she stepped outside, her phone buzzed. A message from Arjun:

“Still on for the evening? Let me know if you need help with the house stuff.”

Kaya sighed. She hadn’t told him about the new place yet. The thought of explaining herself felt exhausting. She typed back a curt, “I’ll manage.”

On the Road

Kaya gripped the steering wheel tightly, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. The court hearing, her mother’s fragile health, the house—they all weighed on her like a storm brewing inside. The city’s chaotic traffic buzzed around her, but her thoughts were miles away.

As she stopped at a red light, her eyes wandered to the rearview mirror. For a fleeting moment, a memory came rushing back, vivid and painful. Dev.

It was five years ago, on a breezy winter evening. They had sneaked out of a formal dinner to sit under the stars. Dev had leaned closer, his voice softer than she’d ever heard it.

“Kaya, you’re like this impossible puzzle,” he had said, his eyes locking with hers. “And I hate puzzles. But somehow, I don’t want to stop trying to solve you.”

She had laughed, brushing him off with a casual “stop being cheesy,” but her heart had fluttered.

Now, in the present, her grip on the wheel tightened. She blinked rapidly, trying to shake the memory. "Why now?" she muttered to herself. "Why do I keep letting him in?"

The light turned green, and she pressed the accelerator. Her mind, still caught in the past, betrayed her focus. A truck came barreling from the left. The honking pierced through her daze.

“Watch out!” someone yelled from the footpath.

She swerved violently, her car screeching to a halt inches away from the truck. Her chest heaved as she stared blankly at the steering wheel, her heart pounding like a war drum.

In Abu Dhabi

Dev leaned back in his plush leather chair, the skyline of Abu Dhabi stretching behind him like a canvas of power and ambition. He stared out of the window, his eyes unfocused.

“Dev,” Reyansh’s voice interrupted. “The meeting is in twenty minutes.”

Dev didn’t respond. His hand absentmindedly reached for his chest, rubbing the spot above his heart. A strange ache had settled there, sharp and unfamiliar.

Reyansh frowned, stepping closer. “Are you okay?”

Dev finally turned to look at him, his usual steel-like demeanor replaced by something softer, almost vulnerable.

“Do you ever get this feeling, Reyansh?” Dev asked, his voice uncharacteristically quiet.

Reyansh blinked, confused. “Feeling?”

Dev stood, walking to the massive window. His silhouette was imposing against the sunlight.

“Like something’s wrong. Like someone you shouldn’t care about… is in trouble.”

Reyansh chuckled nervously. “You’re not the kind of man who cares, Dev. Don’t start now.”

Dev’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he stared into the distance. “Maybe you’re right.”

But he didn’t believe it. Not this time. Not with this ache that wouldn’t leave.

Back to Kaya

Kaya pulled over to the side of the road, her hands trembling. She reached for her phone, dialing Arjun.

He picked up on the second ring. “Kaya? Everything okay?”

She hesitated, her voice shaky. “I… almost had an accident.”

Arjun’s tone immediately changed, laced with concern. “What? Where are you? Are you hurt?”

“No, I’m fine,” she said, trying to steady her breath. “Just a little shaken.”

“Send me your location,” he demanded. “I’m coming to get you.”

“No, Arjun,” she said firmly. “I can handle this. I just… needed to hear a familiar voice.”

He sighed, clearly reluctant. “You’re stubborn, you know that?”

“I’ve been told,” she replied, forcing a small smile. “I’ll call you later.”

As she hung up, her eyes lingered on the road ahead. For a moment, the memory of Dev’s voice played in her mind again.

“Pull yourself together, Kaya,” she muttered, shaking her head. “You left that chapter behind.”

But deep down, she knew that some chapters never really closed.

In Abu Dhabi Again

Dev sat in the backseat of his luxury car, his hand still rubbing his chest. Reyansh glanced at him through the rearview mirror.

“You’ve been distracted all morning,” Reyansh said cautiously.

Dev didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts. His finger hovered over a number saved simply as P. He hadn’t deleted it. Five years, and he still couldn’t bring himself to let it go.

Reyansh noticed. “Still thinking about her, huh?”

Dev’s expression hardened, and he put the phone away. “I don’t think about the past.”

But even as he said it, the ache in his chest deepened.

The Courtroom

Kaya stood tall in the courtroom, her black coat swaying as she paced confidently in front of the judge. The air was thick with anticipation. The gallery was packed—journalists, law students, and onlookers hungry for drama. This wasn’t just any case; this was a David-versus-Goliath battle, and Kaya Sharma was David, wielding nothing but her belief in the law and her unrelenting determination.

“My Lord,” she said, her voice clear and resonant, “the evidence speaks for itself. The burnt house, the accounts linked to the arsonists—all of it points back to Mr. Reyansh Malhotra.” She held up a stack of papers. “These are direct financial transactions from Reyansh’s company to the men who carried out the attack.”

Reyansh’s lawyer shot up. “Objection, Your Honor! This is conjecture at best. My client is a respected businessman. These accusations are baseless.”

The judge, a poised woman with sharp features and an even sharper mind, raised her hand to silence him. “Let her finish.”

Kaya continued, her eyes blazing. “This isn’t conjecture. It’s proof. And with this, I request the court to summon Mr. Malhotra to Mumbai for a direct inquiry.”

The room erupted in murmurs. The judge banged her gavel. “Order in the court!”

She adjusted her glasses and looked directly at Kaya. “Advocate Sharma, you’ve made a strong case, but this is no small accusation. If what you’re alleging is true, you’ve stirred a hornet’s nest.”

Kaya met the judge’s gaze, unflinching. “I’m ready for the consequences, Your Honor.”

The judge sighed, leaning back in her chair. “Very well. Mr. Reyansh Malhotra is hereby ordered to appear in this court within 48 hours. But,” she added, her tone sharp and warning, “Advocate Sharma, tread carefully. You’re playing with fire.”

Kaya nodded, the weight of the warning settling on her shoulders but not dimming her resolve.

In Abu Dhabi

Dev sat in his grand office, the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the city. But his eyes were on the whiskey swirling in his glass. The reports from Mumbai were spread out on the table—news clippings, legal documents, and photographs of Reyansh with mafias,

Reyansh paced the room, visibly agitated. “She’s gone too far, Dev. That woman is ruining everything. If I have to step foot in Mumbai, it’s over for me. She’s relentless.”

Dev didn’t respond immediately, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the edge of his glass.

“Did you hear me, Dev?” Reyansh barked, his frustration boiling over. “She’s digging up old cases, linking me to things I buried five years ago!”

Dev looked up, his eyes cold and calculating. “Calm down.”

“How can I calm down? She’s dangerous!”

Dev leaned forward, placing the glass on the table. “Dangerous?” he repeated, a smirk playing on his lips. “She’s a lawyer, Reyansh. Not a god.”

Reyansh frowned. “What are you planning?”

Dev stood, his towering frame casting a shadow over Reyansh. “If this Advocate Sharma thinks she can disrupt my world, she’s about to learn the rules of the game.”

Reyansh’s eyes widened. “You’re going to Mumbai?”

Dev’s smirk widened. “Not just Mumbai. Delhi first. If she wants to meet the devil, I’ll give her the honor.”