Lawfully Yours

Author's Pov

Mumbai

"What the hell! This happened again, and you both still can't catch a thief?" a man in his late 50s shouted.

A girl and boy ( Natasha and Kabir ) stood their silently, heads bowed, none of them saying a word.

"Shame on you!" the man yelled again.

"Chief, he's so clever. He didn't leave any trace behind-no evidence at all that we could use to catch him," Natasha said slowly.

"He won't leave his identity card there , so you can catch him!" Chief snapped in anger.

"You have to find the evidence yourself, but instead you're just roaming around doing nothing."

"Chief, we're also trying our best to find him," this time kabir said.

"Yeah, I can see that," chief snapped again.

"It's been six months, and this is the eighth robbery making headlines again. Everyone's saying the police can't do anything , czz they are useless. I gave both of you every possible resource, but you still failed," chief said, looking both of them.

"But now I'm handing this case over to someone else."

They both looked at the chief in shock, and Natasha said, "chief, you can't do this!"

"Yes, chief! This time we'll definitely catch him," Kabir added.

Chief shook his head. "You both have wasted enough time-no more.."

"Now I'm handing this case over to Samaira and Arnav," chief continued.

The two looked at each other in shock and anger. The names alone were enough to boil their blood. They wanted to say something, but stayed silent.

Chief turned to another officer, Vicky, who was standing nearby, and said,

"Call Samaira."

Vicky nodded and walked out the door.

Silence filled the room.

The Chief took out his phone from his pocket and began typing something when the door opened.

Vicky walked in, followed by the sound of heels echoing through the room.

A girl in her mid-20s walked in behind him.

Fair-skinned, sharp features, and a confident aura.

She wore black straight-fit pants and a white crop top. Her long, straight black hair flowed freely.

A golden wristwatch glimmered on her right hand, and a simple black thread with a tiny seashell hung around her left wrist.

Samaira Singh Rathore.

"You called me, Chief?" Samaira asked in a calm, professional tone.

The Chief nodded.

"I'm sure you're aware of the recent robberies. The eighth one just happened-"

Samaira gave a small nod. "Yes, Chief."

"Good. Because now youI'll lead this case" the Chief announced.

Samaira looked over at Kabir and Natasha, who stood with rigid postures, clearly holding back their emotions, jaw clinched.

"But chief, weren't they handling the case already?" Samaira asked, motioning toward Kabir and Natasha.

"Not anymore," the Chief replied firmly.

Samaira didn't say anything further and simply nodded. "As you say, Chief."

"This isn't right, Chief! You can't do this to us," Kabir finally said, unable to stay silent.

The Chief and Samaira both turned to look at him.

"Be grateful I'm even letting you stay in this department," the Chief said sharply.

"And don't fool yourself into thinking it's because of your performance. You're both here only because of your father kabir"

He looked at both Kabir and Natasha.

"You got this case only because of him-because he thought you'd be able to handle it. But that ends now."

Kabir and Natasha didn't say a word. The Chief turned his attention to Samaira.

"Samaira, do you have any issue with leading this case?"

Samaira looked at the Chief and replied without hesitation, "No, Chief."

The Chief nodded, then turned to Vicky.

"Provide them with all the necessary resources and information."

Vicky nodded. "Okay, Chief."

Samaira slightly furrowed her brows and asked,

"Chief, is there someone else who'll be leading the case with me?"

The Chief gave a short nod.

Samaira asked again, "Who?"

Just then, the door swung open. Everyone turned toward it.

A man in his late 20s walked in-wearing black jeans and a black shirt, a black thread with a tiny seashell tied around his right wrist.

He had sharp features, an attractive face, and a commanding presence...

Kabir and Natasha were shocked to see him here.. at this moment As for Samaira-her expression turned sharp the moment her eyes met his. He looked at her too, and a slightly teasing smile tugged at his lips.

"Samaira, he will be leading the case with you," the Chief announced.

Kabir clenched his fists tightly and stormed out of the room. Natasha quickly followed behind him.

Samaira kept her gaze fixed on the man, her expression unchanged-cold and unreadable.

"Chief," she said flatly, without a trace of emotion, "I won't work with him."

Arnav chuckled slightly, while the Chief turned to look at Samaira.

"Samaira, don't start this. I'm assigning this case to both of you," he said firmly.

"But Chief-" Samaira began, but he cut her off.

"No more questions," the Chief interrupted.

"And this time, I want results. Got it?"

Arnav looked at the Chief and replied with confidence, "Yes, Chief."

The Chief then turned to Samaira. She held his gaze for a moment before finally saying, "Yes chief."

The Chief gave a firm nod and turned to Vicky.

"Transfer all the case files and information to them."

Vicky nodded. "Yes, Chief."

With a slight gesture from the Chief, both Samaira and Arnav turned and exited the office together.

They walked down the corridor, the sound of Samaira's heels echoing through the silence.

She walked ahead , her back straight and her pace sharp. Arnav followed just a few steps behind, hands in his pockets and a slight smirk playing on his lips.

"So... how are you, Princess?" he said teasingly.

She stopped in her tracks, and he halted just behind her.

Turning around, she faced him-his trademark teasing smile already on display.

Her expression remained neutral as she said coldly, "I'm warning you Mr.Rathore, Don't mess with me."

He chuckled softly and shook his head.

"I like this attitude of yours... Ms. Rathore."

She clenched her jaw in frustration. "You'll regret it,"

She snapped, turning on her heel and walking out of the corridor.

Outside, she headed straight to her car, slid into the driver's seat, and started the engine.

As she glanced toward the building, her eyes landed on Arnav-still at the entrance, looking right at her with a smile. He raised a hand and waved casually.

Samaira ignored him completely and drove off without a second glance, while Arnav just chuckled to himself.

She stopped the car in front of a grand mansion and stepped out, her expression as composed as ever. Her heels clicked sharply against the marble floor as she walked inside.

In the living room, a man in his mid-50s looked up at the sound of her arrival. A warm smile lit up his face.

"My princess," he greeted.

Arvind Singh Rathore-Samaira's father and a renowned businessman.

"It was all your idea, wasn't it?" Samaira said, her voice calm but her eyes clearly annoyed.

Arvind chuckled softly and patted the space beside him on the couch.

With a sigh, Samaira walked over and sat down next to him, sulking.

"Why did you do this?" she asked, looking at him with a mix of frustration and curiosity.

"I didn't do anything-he did everything himself," Arvind said casually.

"But I don't want to work with him. I hate him," Samaira grumbled, looking at her father with frustration.

"Don't say that, Princess..." Arvind replied gently.

"But it's true! He's arrogant , rude , and very.. bad! You know very well what he did" Samaira added, sulking like a child, her arms crossed in protest.

Before Arvind could respond, a woman walked into the room-graceful and elegant. She was Arvind's wife, and Samaira's mother.

Nandini Arvind Singh Rathore-a beautiful yet calm lady.

"Who's arrogant and rude?" she asked while placing a tray of tea on the table in front of the couch.

She sat down beside Arvind and looked at both her husband and daughter.

"Whom are you talking about?"

Samaira looked at her father, who gave her a look. Silently telling her not to say anything.

But she turned to her mother but stayed quiet. Arvind finally answered in a low voice.

"About Arnav..."

Nandini sighed and turned to her daughter.

"Have some shame, Samaira. That's very rude."

"I'm saying the same thing!" Arvind quickly added from behind Nandini.

Samaira crossed her arms over her chest and looked at her father with narrowed eyes.

He gave her an awkward smile and said, "I mean... she's just joking, right?"

Nandini shook her head. "It's not a joke, Arvind ji."

Arvind glanced at Nandini and stammered, "But she's still a kid, isn't she...?"

Samaira looked at both of them and said with frustration, "I'm not joking, Maa! He's not only arrogant-he's very bad too!" Samaira finished with a pout.

Just as the words left her mouth, a deep voice echoed through the room-

"I can see you love talking about me."

All three of them turned their heads toward the source of the voice.

There, standing confidently at the entrance of the living room, was Arnav-arms crossed,

A smirk playing on his lips, his usual calm arrogance wrapped around him like a cloak.

Arnav moved inside while Samaira clenched her fists and spoke,

"What the hell are you doing here..??"

Arnav looked at her with a smile and said,

"This is my house also, don't forget that."

Samaira took a deep breath while controlling her anger and left from there while stomping her feet.

Arvind called her but she didn't stop, while Arnav said,

"Let it be Papa, I'll handle her."

He moved toward Nandini and hugged her while Nandini also hugged him back.

They broke the hug and Nandini said,

"Didn't you miss me , that it took you so long to come?"

He chuckled and said with softness,

"I did Maa, but now please forgive me , I have to see your daughter's tantrums also."

Nandini also chuckled. Then Arnav moved toward Arvind and hugged him also while Arvind patted his back. He moved away.

"Young man, you'll have to struggle a lot to convince my daughter."

Nandini shook her hand while chuckling and Arnav said, acting like he's serious,

"Yes, she's exactly like you when it comes to getting angry."

Nandini laughed at this while Arvind just glared at him.

"Absolutely right, beta," Nandini said while laughing.

Arnav just rubbed the back of his neck and left from there while saying,

"Let me go and convince your daughter now."

Arnav came into the backyard as he expected Samaira to be there-and there she was, standing near the fountain, her back facing him.

He took a deep breath and moved toward her. Samaira sensed his presence but didn't say anything.

"Don't you miss me even a little bit, little sis.."

Arnav said while standing beside her.

"Don't need to be frank with me, we are just partners in this case, Mr. Rathore," she said in a straight voice.

Arnav said,

"At least show me some respect at home. I'm your elder brother-what the hell is this Mr. Rathore?"

Samaira just glared at him.

"Acha na, I'm sorry. Don't be so angry " Arnav said while holding his ears.

Samaira turned around pretending it didn't affect her, but a smile crept on her lips as she was enjoying this side of her brother as always.

Arnav sighed,

"So it's final that you won't talk with me?"

She didn't say anything...

Arnav again said in a sad voice-which he wasn't actually feeling-

"So all those snacks I brought for you are of no use now. So I'll give them to vihaan"

Samaira's eyes widened. She turned around and said,

"Hey, they are mine"

While Arnav just chuckled and said teasingly,

"But just a few minutes ago, you didn't want to talk to me and..."

Samaira moved toward him and said, pretending nothing had happened,

"I never said that, you just assumed it yourself."

"Ooh okay," Arnav said while thinking something,

"But I remember you also called me arrogant and rude."

"Arey bhai, I didn't say that." Samaira said trying to change the topic.

"Bhai...?? Till now it was Mr. Rathore," he said while raising an eyebrow.

"Wo actually, mere andar ka professionalism gaya nahi tha abhi tak isliye."

(Actually, the professionalism in me hadn't completely gone yet, that's why.)

She said while being innocent.

While Arnav just chuckled and shook his head, then he take out a chocolate from his pants pocket and moved it toward her.

She happily took it, but then said while pouting

"Just only one..??"

"There are more, princess. I had them kept in your room, for now atleast eat this one," Arnav said.

"Oky," she opened the packet and started eating like a child.

Arnav chuckled and said,

"Who would say you're the same Samaira Singh Rathore who works at headquarters?"

She looked at him and said,

"Who would say you're the same Arnav Singh Rathore , who doesn't talk properly to anyone but was apologizing to me here?"

"That's a point," he said. Then after thinking a little bit, he said again,

"But don't think that's enough I'm still angry with you. You broke your promise" Samaira glared at him while eating chocolate

Arnav joined his hand infront of her dramatically "forgive me maate.. meri asal maa ne bhi maaf krr diya"

(My really mother also forgive me)

Samaira roll her eyes "Fine Now don't start this drama i forgave you" she place her palm on his head "Now be happy simran and enjoy your life"

This time Arnav glares at her but samaira just laugh "i wasn't here so vihaan literally influence you so bad" Arnav said while shaking her head

Arnav paused for a few seconds then said "Well, do you have any idea about all these robberies?"

Samaira looked at him and moved toward the bench, while he also followed her and they both sat.

"I didn't get too involved in it at that time because of Kabir and Natasha, but from the little bit of research I did on it, I don't think he's just one thief."

Arnav's brows frowned,

"Why did you feel that way?"

Samaira, chewing the bite, said again,

"Because the places where those robberies happened weren't just normal places. They had a lot of security, plus biometric locks, and then they rob them so cleanly that no one even finds out... Even a single evidence. I agree that if he was that practical about this matter, then he can definitely do it. But the main point is-"

She paused a little while Arnav focused on her.

"Mr. Rana's company and house-both were robbed, and that too on the same day. It's not that easy to rob them on the same day, that's why I'm feeling that he is not the only one , probably someone is helping him" she finished.

While Arnav was thinking about her statement, he said,

"The case is quite interesting, but whether it's one person or two or a whole gang now they won't escape."

They both looked at each other, and Samaira said,"Since you've come back, this is the first time you've said something sensible."

She said casually while Arnav glared at her.

But she focused on her chocolate and was about to take another bite, when suddenly someone snatched the packet from her hand.

She got shocked and looked in the direction - a boy was running and said,

"Thank you so much for this chocolate!"

Samaira stood up from her place and shouted while running in the same direction,

"Vihaan! Stop that! I swear I'll break all your bones if you dare to eat my chocolate!"

Arnav shook his head while laughing looking at them.

____

The night was falling, and the city glowed with lights...

A bike came to a stop in front of a building.

A girl stepped off, dressed in black cargo jeans, a black plane top, a leather jacket, and a mask covering her face.

The boy who had been riding the bike also got off, wearing the same outfit black cargo pants, a black t-shirt, and a leather jacket.

He took off his helmet and ran his hand through his hair.

A cute face, but with sharp features.

The girl removed her mask too-she had a round face with two moles on her cheek.

Making her face angelic

They both walked into the building.. and entered in the apartment.

The boy closed the door while the girl threw herself onto the couch and said,

"Get me some water from the fridge."

The boy looked at her with a done expression.

"Fast..!!" She again said

He sighed and walked toward the kitchen. He brought her a bottle of water and handed it to her..

"Don't be this lazy," he said while sitting on the table near couch..

She drank the water and said,

"Don't become a teacher now, I'm not lazy, I'm just tired."

She passed him the bottle; he drank from it too while she stood up from the couch and said,"I'm going to sleep."

"At least eat something first," the boy said, looking at her.

"I'm not hungry, I just wanna sleep"

she replied.

"Avi..!!" He said again.

"Adi, please, I'm so sleepy," Avya repeated, showing just how tired she was.

Aditya stood up from the table and walked toward the kitchen. "It won't work. First eat something, then go to sleep."

Avya whined like a child and sat back on the couch.

After few minutes Aditya brought two plates of food and placed them on the mini round dining table in front of the open kitchen.

"Come fast and eat this," he said.

"Bring it here, I'm not coming there," Avya said, sulking.

He sighed. "Such a child." He picked up the plates, walked over to the couch, and sat beside her, handing her one plate.

"Now eat this, quickly."

"Akduu," she mumbled.

(Grumpy)

"I can hear you," Aditya said, looking at her.

"Yeah, I said it so you could hear," she replied and started eating the food.

He was eating too. After finishing the food, she placed her plate on the table.

He picked up both their plates, placed them in the sink, and washed them. Then he came back to the living room - but Avya had already gone to her room.

He also walked toward his room, closed the door behind him, took off his jacket, and placed it on the bed before heading into the bathroom to change into comfy clothes.

After changing, he walked over to the balcony and opened his phone.

He stared at a picture on the screen, and lost in it when a tear escaped from his eye.

"I missed you so much" he whispered...