Chapter 15

POV KATHIR RATHORE

Around 11 o'clock at night, I arrived at Raj's bar. The neon lights flickered lazily, casting long shadows across the rooftop. The air was cool against my skin as I walked to the edge, my gaze drifting over the quiet city. I sighed, reaching into my pocket for a cigarette. A flick of my lighter sparked a small flame, and soon, the first drag filled my lungs-a brief escape from the weight pressing on my mind. Smoke curled into the night, mixing with the distant hum of the city below.

Footsteps echoed from the stairs behind me. I didn't turn immediately. I already knew who it was.

Raj appeared, his face lit by the dim rooftop lights, his usual mischievous grin in place.

"Hey, dude," he greeted casually, hands in his pockets.

I nodded, exhaling a slow stream of smoke. He dropped into the seat beside me, silent for a moment as he scanned the surroundings.

Then he spoke. "Your dad called you."

I didn't react, just took another drag. "I know."

Raj smirked, as if expecting that response. "Then why didn't you answer?"

I shot him a glare. He grinned wider.

"Alright, alright." He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Your dad called me too. He needs Renz's documents. They're in your office, and he wants them by noon tomorrow. I've gotta take them tonight."

I let out a slow breath, flicking the cigarette away. The embers glowed briefly before dying under my heel.

"Let's go," I said, standing up.

Raj arched a brow. "To your office?"

I nodded and headed for the stairs.

Downstairs, I waited in the car while Raj locked up the bar. The night air was crisp as he slid into the passenger seat. Neither of us spoke as I pulled onto the road. The city felt different at this hour-empty, hushed, as if only a few of us remained awake.

By the time we reached my office, the lights outside flickered, casting a dull glow over the building. Raj looked up at it, then shuddered dramatically.

"Your office looks creepy at night," he muttered.

I ignored him, unlocking the door and leading the way inside. The silence wrapped around us, thick and unbroken except for our footsteps echoing through the empty hall.

On the third floor, I flicked on the lamp in my office, the warm light spilling across the room. Raj dropped into the chair opposite mine, lazily stretching his arms behind his head.

"You still haven't changed the room colors?" he asked, eyeing the dark walls.

"No."

He sighed as if disappointed. I walked over to the cabinet, grabbed a bottle of wine and a glass, and placed them in front of him.

"For you."

Raj's smirk returned. "Thanks, dude." He poured himself a drink, the soft sound of liquid filling the glass breaking the silence. As he took a sip, I opened the drawers, searching for the documents.

I was halfway through when Raj spoke again. "Dude, I guess your mom misses you so mu-"

I froze. My grip on the drawer handle tightened.

"Stop it, Raj," I warned, my voice low.

He raised his hands in defense. "Okay, okay. I just want to see you happy." He smirked, pushing my buttons as usual.

"I'm happy," I muttered, returning to my search.

"Oh, really?" He leaned forward, amused. "You don't look like it."

I clenched my jaw, slamming the drawer shut. "I said stop it."

Raj held back a chuckle, lifting his glass. "Fine, fine." He took another sip, but his eyes still held that knowing glint.

I exhaled sharply. "Shall we leave now?"

"Okay." He finished his drink in one gulp. I grabbed the files, locked the office behind us, and we headed downstairs.

Just as we reached the ground floor, Raj suddenly grabbed my arm, stopping me.

"What?" I asked, frowning.

Raj's head tilted slightly. "Did you hear that?"

I tensed. "Hear what?"

"Shh." His eyes narrowed as he listened.

The silence around us was thick. Then-faintly-I heard it. A cough. Weak. Muffled. Coming from down the hall.

Raj pointed toward a door. "It's coming from there."

My stomach twisted. I knew that room.

Without another word, I strode over and unlocked the door. It creaked open, and I flicked the light on.

Vidya.

She was curled up on the floor, coughing weakly. Her body looked fragile, her breathing uneven.

Raj swore under his breath. "What the heck?" He rushed forward, crouching beside her.

I stood frozen for a second, my mind blank. Then I snapped out of it.

"Vidya," Raj called gently, shaking her shoulder. "Hey, are you okay?"

Her eyes fluttered open, panic flashing across her face as she saw us. She scrambled to sit up, her voice shaking. "I... I want to go from here! Please leave me."

Raj looked at me, disbelief and anger clear in his eyes. "Kathir, what the hell is this?"

I didn't answer.

Raj turned back to Vidya, helping her sit up properly. "We'll take you home."

Vidya shook her head. "No, I can... I can go by myself."

She tried to stand, but her legs wobbled. Without thinking, I grabbed her arm to steady her. She immediately flinched, trying to pull away.

"How? In this condition?" I asked, rolling my eyes.

Vidya glared, stubborn as ever. She opened her mouth to argue, but I cut her off.

"How are you going to get home like this?"

Raj sighed, stepping between us. "Look, I know my friend was rude to you, but you shouldn't go home alone like this."

Vidya hesitated. She was weak. She knew it.

I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated. Without another word, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward the car.

"Kathir, leave me!" she yelled, struggling against my grip.

I ignored her. Raj was calling my name, but I was done listening. I yanked the car door open and pushed her inside.

"Get in."

She shook her head, eyes blazing with defiance.

I leaned in closer. "Do you still remember your brother's project?"

Her breath hitched.

Raj's head snapped toward me. "Kathir, don't-"

I didn't look at him. My eyes stayed on Vidya. "If you want me to continue the project, get in the car."

Silence stretched between us. Then, finally, Vidya exhaled shakily and climbed in without another word.

I smirked in satisfaction and shut the door. Raj stared at me, his face a mix of frustration and disappointment.

"Let's go," I said.

He muttered something under his breath but got in.

The drive was silent. Tense. Vidya stared out the window, her expression unreadable. When we reached her house, I slowed to a stop. Her family was outside, their faces tight with worry.

"You've reached home. Get out," I said flatly.

Vidya didn't spare me a glance. She opened the door and slammed it shut behind her. Her family rushed to her, but I didn't stick around to watch.

I shifted gears, driving off into the night, the silence pressing in once again.