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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Chapter 17 - On the brink

Dear Readers
I mentioned about my personal emergency in my last update. I will be taking off next week instead of this week due to some shift in plans. Perhaps one or two more updates before I take a break.

To my silent readers, if you took the trouble to come this far, please do drop a note, word or a simple hello to let me know you are there. 
To those who are afraid to comment, yes, afraid, because of reasons you and i know very well, I do understand, although I would like you to hold an independent opinion. 

SJ
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Khushi sat on the chair and rested her head on the table. ASR stood over her, waiting for a response and regretting ever asking her about Shyam. The truth was obviously hurtful to her and he didn’t want to muddy the waters for them after their blissful night together. He cursed himself for feeling so possessive about her, she hadn’t exactly confessed undying love for him, leaving him fuddled why he felt entitled to know about Shyam and her. 

“Forget it, Khushi. Its alright, you don’t have to.” He patted her head, and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. She wanted him to know even though her past for reasons unexplained. His approval was beginning to matter to her. She raised her head and tried to smile.

“No, I have to ASR. You have a right to know.” This was as close to an admission of intimacy he thought he could expect from her. She was opening her inner secret chambers and suddenly, he felt like a man who’d won a thousand wars – ecstatic. He pulled a chair across her and sat down, holding her hands.

“Shyam and I….we….well…ours is a fake engagement.” She warred with thousand emotions before sharing the dirty truth. ASR nodded, he’d figured as much. A girl like Khushi could never willingly or happily accept a jerk like Shyam.

“I figured that. But why?” he prodded.

She looked away and appeared embarrassed. She bit her chapped lower lip, peeling a bit of the chaffed tissue. He felt her hands grow cold and clammy. He squeezed them.

“Khushi, I am an FBI agent, I’ve seen it and heard it all. Nothing you would say to me would surprise me. You can tell me anything.” His voice carried the softness of a true lover and Khushi sensed the warmth of his presence. She drew her breath in and began.

“When I joined Northwestern, Shyam was the chief ER surgeon – a rising star, ambitious and coveted by all the female residents and nurses. I will admit I was attracted to him in the beginning. What I didn’t know was that Shyam served on the Board of Directors of St. Mercy Hospital were Dad worked as a senior doctor.”
Her face was pained as she recounted the next part of the past.

“Dad is a brilliant doctor, but he is human. He was slated to be promoted to the position of Chief executive officer of the hospital, being one of the most experience and respected doctors. But, Dad was operating on the floors in round the shift schedules. He was overworked, tired and bound to make mistakes.”

She was convincing herself with her words, unable to accept the fallibility of her dad, who was her role model. “It happened around that time…” she paused, gathering her courage to continue. ASR squeezed her hand and nodded, giving her a physical cue of support.

“Dad misdiagnosed a condition on one of his patients, Mrs. Sevilla, who had a heart condition typical of Hispanics. He didn’t realize it until she was on the hospital operating table and died of cardiac arrest. The hospital came under severe scrutiny by the local Hispanic population because Mrs. Sevilla’s son was the local union leader with a lot of political clout and influence.”

ASR began to form a picture of the elderly Dr. Gupta, an affable, gentle natured man who probably blamed himself more than warranted for the death of his patient. He knew where the story was leading at this point but he wanted Khushi to tell him, to give her a chance to cleanse her mind of the past.

“Shyam knew who my dad was and what he was going through. One day, he summoned me to his office and asked me out. I was naïve enough to think that he was interested in me and of course, my colleagues went green with envy at my lucky catch. Things went so for a month, we dated, we dined, and we hung out together. Shyam was a pleasant company, always, a bit pretentious but very agreeable before……”she coughed as her throat went dry. ASR got up and got her a glass of water. She sipped and continued.

“He had a proposition for me. He would fight the Board to drop all the charges on my Dad, get the Hispanic caucus off the back of the hospital, on one condition. I had to agree to get engaged to him as long as he wanted. He is so devious, he had everything figured out. We could stay engaged for a year and if the case on Dad did not disappear, then I had the choice to enter a fake marriage, should people raise questions about our prolonged engagement. He had pre-nuptials ready promising me a handsome alimony post our divorce. He had even planned the timeline of the divorce to not raise any suspicions.”

“I look back and it seems so shallow, like a joke. Gosh! What was I thinking! He threatened me and I couldn't say no.” she began sobbing, " I am such a loser,ain't I ?" she said more to herself than anyone.

ASR felt his chest constrict with rage and hatred for Shyam. He pulled her into a comforting hug and rubbed her back. The man was so cunning that he had figured out Khushi’s one weakness – her love for her family. He used that against her to get what he wanted. But what did he want? ASR didn’t think Shyam loved Khushi because the engagement was fake and so would the marriage be, if they ever went that far. What did Shyam want?

“Did he help your dad, as promised?” ASR decided his best bet was to peel the onion one layer at a time and break it down for Khushi, to help her see the irrationality of what she was doing.

“Well, sort of. He got the charges dropped, so Dad can continue to work at St. Mercy. The files have been sealed so it would never be used against him at the time of his review and promotion. But everytime I ask Shyam to break the engagement, he never fails to remind me that he can have the entire file reopened with the flick of a finger. You know like the sword of Damocles.”

ASR understood the reason for Shyam’s stronghold on Khushi. But it still did not explain why Shyam would want to remain engaged to Khushi and a fake one at that.

“Does he love you?” he asked the next question, on the off chance that Shyam was indeed motivated by a higher order of human emotions.

 “No!” Khushi snorted with incredulity. That settled it for him.

“Do you love him?” he continued, almost afraid to hear the answer, although after last night, he should’ve known Khushi’s answer would more than please him.

He struggled to keep an impassive face, his body tensing with anticipation. Khushi fought to keep a straight face as well, albeit for a totally different reason. She burst out laughing, despite the strange context of their conversation. ASR felt relief – like a man foolishly in love, he thanked his lucky stars for giving him Khushi – a thought his conscious mind did not register but his subconscious mind had accepted a long time ago.
He understood Khushi’s reasons. Now he needed to know Shyam’s.

***** 
                                                                                                                
He finished reading his emails and left NK a message confirming their meeting with Isaacson later in the day. He was about to take a shower when an alert popped up on his laptop. What he saw got his curiosity.
A $100,000 moved out of Khushi’s swiss account. This was interesting. Who could be moving money from her account? He called the office and set trace on the IP addresses from where the transaction was made and where the money was eventually deposited. He figured he had an hour before the information came back to him. He picked his towel and whistled into the bathroom.

When he returned, he found over twenty alerts on his laptop. Another $50,000 was transferred from her account and the traces led to a Western Union address in Tennessee. He read further and found the trace of the IP address from which the transactions were completed. It belonged to an IP address in the Chicago area…to a laptop belonging to Neil Kavanaugh! ASR’s face drained of color.

He dialed Kevin Calhoun.

“Hey Boss! Did you see the transactions?” ASR boomed frantically pacing the room.
“ASR, we need to talk.” Kevin seemed distant and tested ASR patience with his inability to understand the panic in ASR’s voice.
“You bet we do! Did you see the activity on Khushi’s Swiss account?” he thundered again, this time snapping a pencil in his hand into two.
“You need to stop, ASR. Right now! Come back to the office. We need to talk.” Kevin’s voice continued to be monotonous, missing any hint of surprise. ASR’s rage was beyond control at this point. He shouted with full might into the receiver.

“Listen you moron, you didn't hear me or have you lost your mind?” ASR shouted into the phone.
“ASR, watch your words. You need to come down to the office, NOW!” Kevin’s voice rose higher, responding to ASR with equally enraged measure.

“Fuck you! Kevin! This could mean life or death; this could be the lead we’ve been waiting for. Fuck you, man!” ASR was drawing a blank, he simply couldn’t understand Kevin. “Fuck everything, if you don’t care, I will take this up and follow it till I find out which motherfucker is behind It.” He continued with unmasked anger.

“ASR!” Kevin’s voice was certainly many decibels higher this time, stopping ASR mid-sentence. “STOP! Stop everything you are doing right now. I am taking you off this case. You are no longer chasing the Sabres. Do you understand?”

ASR felt the blow of a billion wrecking balls on him at once. Take me off the case?

“What the fuck are you talking about? I am the best agent you have on this case. You can’t take me off the case. Stop fucking around Kevin, and follow the lead.” ASR’s mind refused to believe the words.
“No, you stop fucking around. You are off the case. If you want to talk, see me at the office.” Kevin disconnected the call.

ASR’s ears were burning. He was confused and disoriented for a second, and began pacing up and down the room trying to rerun Kevin’s words in his head.

 I am off the case, how the fuck did this happen, off the case? How?

He stopped. Shyam! The motherfucker had spilled the beans to Kevin. And Kevin had warned him about getting too personal with the case, he couldn't complain about it now. He had spent the night with Khushi and it was breach of protocol. And now he was off the case.

He raked his hair in desperation. He could not cool his heels waiting for the case to be solved by other FBI agents. He could not see Khushi suffer any more than she had to, and after their brief encounter and her admission to him about Shyam, he felt strangely responsible for her and her happiness. He could not let anything happen to her. She was not going to be another Lana in his life.

He started brainstorming his options. He could play the role of a consultant but that would keep him off any meaningful action. He could ask for leave and be with Khushi as a friend but he would be of no use to her. He cursed Kevin and Shyam and he couldn’t even call NK, after the strange transaction from his machine. He picked a glass vase and threw it on the floor in frustration. The vase bounced off the carpet and rolled under the bed, without breaking. Even the vase was mocking his helplessness.

He opened his laptop. He had to get the case files on his computer before his access was blocked. He began downloading the files, the contacts, the reports and everything that was available in the FBI online repository. As he began the last downloads, his screen froze, his access was denied and shut. He slammed his laptop shut and cursed. Kevin was serious this time.

Another hour passed, as ASR strategized his next steps. He had his travel bag ready, his passports on him, and enough cash to see him through the next couple of months. He had to figure out how to break the news to Khushi without disappointing her. The very thought of telling her about this new development tore him apart; he couldn’t bear to see more pain in her face. It was imperative her security continue with the FBI, while he was off the case. He stood in the middle of the room and looked out the window. An idea occurred to him and he knew what he had to do. He grinned.

*****

Isaacson washed and prepared his best china. After his wife’s death, anyone rarely called for a house visit. The FBI agents should be here in a few hours and he couldn’t wait to tell them about the Sabre sculpture, its history and the strange encryptions he had found under the base of the statue in a hidden compartment. The combination of words and numbers hadn’t made any sense to him or his team of art historians but they were grateful to have the sculpture in their museum. He set the china on his cherry formal dining table.

The house in Oak Park was set in a handsome, architecturally rich neighborhood. Noam and David parked their car on the street several houses down and observed Isaacson’s house from a distance. The streets were full of parked cars but devoid of people, most of whom were probably huddled inside, preparing for Christmas Eve dinners. The dried ivy climbing the sides of Isaacson’s house hid a Frank Lloyd Wright prairie home, a style copied generously in this neighborhood.

“Do you think it’s an original?” David shifted in his seat and asked.

“What is original?” Noam had his eyes trained on the entrance to the house. He was waiting for the day to get darker before he paid the curator a visit.

“The house! Do you think its Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece? The prairie style windows, the thick columns and angular cuts…”

“What the fuck is wrong with you, you idiot? Are you completely insane? I am not here to admire the architecture. Let’s get this done as soon as possible, nimrod!”

David bit his tongue. He had borne the brunt of Noam’s anger and frustration for far too long. Many times he had been tempted to take that gun of his and shoot it point blank at the bastard. The man was getting increasingly rabid with every passing day that the Sabres remained unattainable. David was afraid if they didn't get to the bottom of the last Sabre, Noam might do something so harsh, the two of them would not live to see the light of next day. David said a short prayer and dropped the conversation.

Dusk arrived sooner than usual, not yet helped by the passing of winter solstice. Noam geared up by opening the metallic box which hugged the sophisticated 9mm gun in its velvet compartments. He screwed on the Osprey silencer tip and inserted the magazine, clicking it in place. David took out his less expensive weapon, feeling less of a man and gangster.

“Let’s go.” Noam ordered as he checked the street for traffic. He got out and locked the door. His dark fedora and upturned coat collar played shadows on his face, hiding his gruff ugly looks. David followed in quick steps, keeping up with the determinedly striding Noam.

He ran up the short flight of steps to the entrance of the house and rang the bell.

Isaacson checked his watch. 3:30 pm.

He wasn’t expecting them so soon but he figured the men must have change of plans. He quickly cleaned the living room of scattered papers and notes. He checked the file folder of papers on the Sabre sculpture in his armoire and took it out. He set the folder on the piano next to the armoire and as he turned to lock the armoire, his shirt sleeve pushed the file behind the piano. He failed to notice it.

Isaacson opened the door with a smile but was shocked to see unfamiliar faces. Noam pushed Isaacson in as the old man stumbled to the floor. Noam pulled his gun out and shot two rounds. One went through the old man’s forehead leaving a hole, and the other pierced his heart. The old man convulsed for a few seconds as blood rushed out of his heart and oozed behind his head where the bullet had exited. Noam watched the man with perverse satisfaction.

When Isaacson stopped flailing and jerking about, Noam put his gun away.

“Get moving, look for the papers. We don’t have much time.”

Two hours later, the men left, with the house turned upside down but empty handed. Unknown to them, the file slipped further down the back wall of the upright piano, waiting to be discovered by the rightful owner. 


92 comments:

  1. SJ, you are a star for updating. Just want you to know that we are all with you. Keep the faith.

    Now let me read the update and leave you a comment.

    P.S- You still owe me, you know what. (winks)

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  2. This is exciting and brilliant!
    So does Shyam know about Khushi's true roots?I feel bad for Khushi...
    NK??I thougt he was faking ..shit I din't want him to be a baddie...And now with Kevin removing Arnav from the case wonder what is Arnav upto...
    with Issacson dead will Arnav get the papers..Hopefully...

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  3. So that's why she engaged to that bastard....

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  4. Hope everything's ok... Thanks for the update

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  5. i was thinking how many times i would have to read chapter 16 before we see another one... and lo and behold here it is :)
    Lana

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  6. was kevin being held against his will? and kept insisting to come to HQ
    Lana

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  7. SJ,

    Gosh, I did not check as I usually do thinking you were out and then I got a twitter update and I was surprised.
    When Kevin was asking arnav to shut p and come soon, I kept thinking that he has come across something that he did not want to talk about on phone. So what does arnav have planned out.
    I am really loving this. Thanks.
    Hope everything is fine your end. Take care.

    Usha

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  8. Hey! So glad I found this story! I am a fan of the way you write. It's so captivating!!
    Absolutely loved it! Cannot wait for the next installment.

    Lots of love,
    Nikki (Kumar894 on twitter) :)

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  9. Hey,
    Just caught up with Chap 16 and 17. 16 was such a sizzling chapter! And now what is happening? So NK is a baddie and ASR off the case? Waiting to find out what he is up to. Hope everything goes ok with you. Take care!

    Shrutee

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  10. So Khushi is being coerced into a fake engagement...the girl is so sacrificing and , am sure she must be feeling that she is indebted to Shashi and Garima...thank heavens,they reciprocate her love...

    Shyam seems to have an ulterior motive...cannot wait for the real mystery to unravel ....

    Money transfers from Khushi's A/c traced to NK's IP address...am wondering whether the duo(NK-Gitu) is working together, now.Kevin seemed eager for ASR to come to the office,have a feeling that he took him off the case, just to mislead all those involved... Arnav may work undercover and, has already concocted a plan, to somehow stay in the loop...am just lovin the fact,that, he feels so responsible for Khushi....

    So Mr Isaacson ,was gunned down...had an inkling about this, but, am waiting when ASR will find the file behind the piano...

    And, thank you for treating us with another fabulous update, despite being amidst an emergency...

    Aanchal15-IF

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  11. Uh oh!

    Too much happened! Who is moving the money? And what was Shyam going to get? Unless he has ulterior motives... And I do want to trust NK, but it's getting harder to.

    And I don't like Kevin! :(

    Poor A & K!

    Thank you for the update!

    And hope the family situation gets sorted out fast for you SJ! Hugs!

    JerryTheMouse- IF

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  12. thanks for the update

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  13. Omg! ASR is off the case? Well let's see for how long! I feel really bad for Kushi! Shyam is such a leech! I knew that but still it never surprises me how much I hate him! Fabulous work my dear! - Sandy

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  14. Wow .... I really don't have words to describe your story and writing style .. just brilliant!!! I am confused ... (maybe a little slow I guess :)) ... so what's happening with Geeta and NK? Need more elaboration .. did I miss something here???

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  15. Wow .. I don't have words to describe your style of writing and your story .. just brilliant!!! I guess I am a bit slow .. what's happening with NK and Geeta?? Please elaborate ...

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  16. Awesome update SJ..
    hmm money transferred from K account to whom??
    ASR is dismissed, who is behind of this?
    what is ASR next step?
    very interesting can't wait

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  17. Loved the update. Be back soon :)

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  18. waiting for next update getting more and more interesting.
    Irsa

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  19. loved the update, getting interesting day by day

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  20. I love the way the story is progressing..one layer at a time..I am glad that Khushi trusts Arnav completely even without any assurances of love or commitment from either side..
    I like the grin on Arnav's face after deciding what to do...cannot wait for it to translate to action..
    Shyam is a jerk and there are more layers to that character as well...what a story you are weaving :)

    Why do I have a feeling that NK is being framed? wait and watch it is !!!

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  21. another exciting update..so finally the truth of shyam khushi engagment..fake..
    hop u dont mind, but i hate ur shyam more..for makling khushi suffer and now pulling arnav off the case..but i am all the more curious as to wat is the reason behind it..does he know khushiz roots..is it the money or somthing else..??
    wat is NK upto??is sombody framing him??or is it totally somthing else happening on the sidelines altogther..but watever may b the case i hop and believe that nk and gitu are on arshiz side..but then again i leave that to u..
    there was a moment of unease and dread wen realization hit that arnav was indeed off the case and there is no 2 ways about it..but wen arnav began sorting out his options, things started picking up and i believe he now has a plan..is he taking khushi with him..??
    coming to issacson..i hop arnav finds the file and watever he finds in it will get a step closer to solving the mystery and thereby ensuring khushiz safety a little more..
    eagerly waiting for the next update..
    Jez

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  22. I love the way the story is progressing..one layer at a time..I am glad that Khushi trusts Arnav completely even without any assurances of love or commitment from either side..
    I like the grin on Arnav's face after deciding what to do...cannot wait for it to translate to action..
    Shyam is a jerk and there are more layers to that character as well...what a story you are weaving :)

    Why do I have a feeling that NK is being framed? wait and watch it is !!!

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  23. Hi SJ...
    Fantastic update....Shyamu the BASTARD :) i knew he was faking it all...ASR's off the case :/ WTF, is Kevin also pretending to be a good guy, like NK...Gosh i thought NK would never betray ASR, I thought they were close buddies -___-
    Ahhhh, David and Noam missed the file *phew* Poor Issacson died, i wonder what ASR will do now!!!
    i hope ASR or Khushi get their hands on that file soon....
    btw, thanks a ton for updating...
    continue soonishhh :)
    tc, love
    JIA (Pinkss)

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  24. Yay you updated!! Thank you..hope everything is well.

    Finally the truth is out..well partially still don't know Shyam's hidden agenda.

    I feel like Kevin was trying to tell something to ASR..obviously in his anger he failed to notice it aaah. Seems to me like he is going to be escaping without telling khushi etc.
    so the "best friends" were after the money? Seriously?!
    And figured that issacson would die before FBI reached him but at least the papers are safe.
    Loving all the characters more and more specially the indepthness like the convo between Noam and dan!
    Thank you and good luck with everything at home
    Hitashi

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  25. Hope n pray all is well! Thanks for the update.
    Take care,
    KAVITA 1970

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  26. You updated - pleasant-est surprise!

    Oh shit! NK! And Arnavs off the case. No!

    And Shyam that scoundrel, I hope is falls into a manhole and drowns in all that sewage water.

    Great update :)

    IF - vgedin

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  27. What a pleasant surprise!

    Woke up to such a brilliant update. love the twists and turns... I am hooked.

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  28. Silent reader who is irregular on commenting. Truly admire your writings both TFS and this. Can't wait for next, hope we get few updates before you go off next week. Plz don't neglect and let go your writings despite the fiasco on the teleseries

    Blablabla_mo7 IF

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  29. Hi SJ.

    I haven't commented before because I just caught up with all the chapters.
    Fantastic thriller. I am loving the pace at which things are happening-- just fast enough to keep the viewers clued in and interested. I loved your reference to The Odessa File in the previous chapter- one of my favourite thrillers from a true master.
    ASR is super-hot. Khushi is being a bit of a damsel-in-distress right now but hoping to see her kick some ass (hopefully Shyam's) soon. The side-characters, all very intriguing. I can see huge trouble brewing for the new lovebirds right now as this thing becomes murkier. Can't wait to see where this goes.

    I am on IF and saw what happened. Would just like to say, loved the dignified way which which you have handled this pointless mess. Take care, lady. I am off to read The Filigreed Sun now. /hoping to finish that soon, too. Cheers. :)

    -merit (IF)

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  30. that idiot shayam has a very powerful hold on kushi and now made it worse by messing with ASR!!!
    cant wait to see what arnav is planning now!!!
    and ppor professor he will be dead i guess!!!
    and once again happy b'day SJ!!!


    neenaLUVarnav

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  31. Absolutely thrilling update SJ !
    I knew Issacson was going to get killed ( Thank God ! file is still safe ) but I hoped otherwise ( maybe because I visualised him as my Phsiology lecturer ) . I think there's definitely something more to ASR's phone conversation with Kevin and money withdrawal by NK and a crazy thrilling twist is awaiting us . Eagerly waiting for next chapter .
    You are brilliant SJ , but then it's an understatement .

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  32. Am one of the silent readers.... Am very curious about shyams motive behind the fake engagment.
    Hope you are doing fine.
    Take care
    Babs

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  33. What.Is.NK.Up.To?
    This was so thrilling! The fight! Ohemgee the fight!
    And fuck Kevin! Yeh kya kiya?
    And OMG my ASR has got something up his sleeve eh? *grins*
    Come back soon SJji! :)

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  34. THE MUSIC SELECTION WAS F'ING PERFECT WITH THIS UPDATE!!!!! I wait for you to update with the hopes that my YouTube Favorite channel gets more new music from your selection. GOOD LORD, NK!?!?!?!?!??!?! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?!??! Khushi and Shyam's Engagement story is not a surprise but the motive behind it is surely connected to Sabres. Could he be the Snitch???? Or wait, NK!??!?!?!

    Still reeling from the awesome music and update :)

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  35. both parts was wonderful and what else can i say u are putting so much suspence that while i am reading i am also shakking to know what will come in the next update but what the heck shyam want maybe he knows the reason behind the sabre lets wait and read :D

    IF gilo

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  36. Hi SJ! I just recently saw your fan fiction and read through it. I wonder have you ever thought about being a professional writer because I think “The Sabre Chronicles” will make an excellent novel but also an amazing movie. If you haven’t thought about it please do. I am sure by now you know how talented you are, so take the risk of converting this into a novel. :)

    Coming to the plot, I simply love it. However, as always Khushi has to suffer so much and is continuing to sacrifice herself for her family happiness. I use to wonder why Khushi has got engage to a man like Shyam and I got my answer on this update. But just like Arnav I am wondering what is Shyam’s motive to deceive Khushi into an engagement.

    Lana story was so sad! But I don’t know if it’s just me I can’t imagine Arnav with anyone else other than Khushi. So, to read that he was in love with Lana and she was pregnant with his child I felt bad. Only because it is always Arnav and Khushi for me or no one else. :o However, as human I felt the pain that Arnav went through because he was just about to get married to his love who was pregnant with his child. I also felt bad for Lana for the same reason. Really sad! :(

    Though, I don’t know but I think Arnav and Khushi relationship is much stronger and intense than Arnav and Lana. Well, with Lana I think it took a year for them to come close but with Khushi he felt instant attraction towards her the first time he saw her in the hospital. Care to clear my doubts please. :p I would like to see the difference between the relationship Arnav has with Lana and has with Khushi. Even though the story is not based on their love story. :)

    By the way, I love the dynamic of Arnav and Khushi relationship they try to deny the attraction but eventually bend to it. There still need to converse in order to clarify where they stand in terms of their relationship status.

    I felt so bad for Isaacson. He was so excited to tell and show FBI his research on the sabres. He didn’t deserve to die. :( The sabres mystery remains a mystery to me…lol... :D

    To be honest, I impatiently wait for an update from you. I understand your personal problems after all family comes first. So, I will wait patiently till the next update and I hope all your problems get solve as soon as possible. :)

    P.S. Sorry! Not the best comment but I will try to make it better the next time. :)

    Rimz :)

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  37. Shyam is evil!! But why is he so interested in Khushi?!?!?

    I love the fact that Khushi just laughed when ASR asked her if she loved Shyam

    Ooooo ASR's got a plan! ;)

    I wanna know whats going on with NK and Gitu before I jujdge what they have done..

    Hope everything is ok with you =)And if not then keep faith....all shall be well =)

    P x

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  38. S0 why was Kevin s0 much after Arnav t0 c0me t0 HQ that he t00k him 0ff the case alt0gether? A last res0rt t0 bring him t0 HQ but why? And 0f c0urse, why w0uld 0ur her0 g0 there instead 0f pulling s0me m0ves 0f his 0wn :D I just seem t0 guess wh0 the right 0wner w0uld be
    But a milli0n d0llar questi0n am0ng this surely is, why is Shyam engaged t0 Khushi? As y0u menti0ned earlier, it was like he c0nquered her and after his successful hiest, he g0t b0red. But is it just that 0r s0mething m0re?? Waiting f0r y0ur update t0 answer all this.

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  39. Omg .....hating shaym....wonder why hes after kushi ....first i thought it was a cover up for being gay.....but nw i think he knows alot or too much about kushi.......fantastic update...continue soon...

    flowers4u

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  40. Nooooooooooo!! My man can't be removed from the case. Jk he'll find a way out for sure, he's THE Arnav :D anyways, so does Kevin know of the blissful night or is it something else because believing Shyam is completely useless. If it is Shyam, then Arnav can retell Shyam & Khushi's story to Kevin- that seems too easy for agent Arnav to handle, it is something more complex?
    Khushi opening upto Arnav is another's step towards their relationship brut i can't wait to find out Arnav's next move. Thank goodness he got most of the files downloaded.
    S seriously don't know if isaacson should have died or not because although he was kinda selfish, he was useful to the FBI . . . Still RIP isaacson. Thank you very much for knocking down the file.
    I hope everything is okay with you!! Thank you for the update!

    Anisha
    IF- twinkle662

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  41. Finally Khushi blurts out about her engagement to Shyam being fake and the reasons behind it ...

    So typical of Shyam to blackmail her into a relationship that even an engagement ... but wonder what the REAL reason is behind all this ...

    Money transfers from Khushi's account being traced to NK's laptop ??? another mystery ...
    wonder if it was all done by Gitu or are both NK and Gitu involved in it together ...

    Finally the shock of being taken off the Sabre case is too much for ASR ...
    he needs to go asap to Kevin and sort this one out ...

    The mystery deepens and hearts are beating faster ... where is it all leading to ???

    Hope you had a fabulous Birthday ... :)

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  42. Wtf is Kevin doing??? Damn!!!

    No surprises for what Shyam's doing.....low creatures like him will use anything to look good on the outside and get whatever they want!! Poor Khushi....

    NK bhai....kya kar rahe ho aap???? Transfering Khushi's money ???
    Damn! I know ASR's not going to take his being taken off the case easily.....and I know he's not going to back down...but I wonder what he's planning to do now!!!

    Im getting caught in the web of lies and deceit here!!! Lets see where all this leads to eventually......

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  43. hi SJ,

    nice update. I guess NK and Gitu are upto something. I hope the emergency which u mentioned is not a serious one.

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  44. hi SJ,

    nice update. I guess NK and Gitu are upto something. I hope the emergency which u mentioned is not a serious one.

    sruj1679@gmail.com

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  45. This story is thrilling. Cant believe NK behind the money transfers.

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  46. Hi SJ,
    First of all let me tell u that till now I've been a silent reader on this blog of urs but not anymore. I am not good in jotting down my thoughts but still from now on I plan to try & comment regularly.
    Looking at the current state of IPK I feel that it's kind of our duty as a reader to let all of you wonderful writers not get disheartened & continue with the wonderful work. IPK remains or not, Barun stays or not but ur stories need to continue cos they are unique & magical in their own way.
    Coming to the story, it's intriguing, full of suspense & literally burning hot but than I was not expecting anything less from you. Hope to read more & more of this totally riveting story.
    I.F-deepa876

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  47. NK a bad guy? OH! that was a shock! And yes, I did knew it was coming, the poor man!
    Anyways, the guys didnt get the file, am satisfied. Whats Arnav's plan now? I am waiting to know more...

    you way with words, amazing writing style. I bow my head before you..simply superb!

    Dreamymaya(IF)

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  48. Hi ts is my first comment on ur ff.. u r writing very well.....
    Awesome update..
    Bhagawati - IF

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  49. shyam blackmail khushi into an engagement, but why?
    Nk and the Money?
    What will ASR do now, being off from the case?
    To many ??????????????
    waiting for nect updt?
    latha

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  50. wow, blackmailers galore! so finally shyam's truth is out! an arnav's wings have been clipped... really eager to know what he's come up with to help khushi despite being taken off the case... also wondering if the file behind the piano is going to be found by him and khushi and, if yes, when! so who is using nk's computer to get into khushi's account? so many questions but so few answers! eagerly awaiting next part

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  51. hi,
    I've been a silent reader on your blog but due to the recent chaos and fiasco about the show i've decided to make it a point to comment on the stories which i find amazing to let the writers know what a talent they have..your story is absolutely brilliant and mind-boggling and i'm regularly looking forward to updates from you :) The ASR in your story is soo HOT. His rage.his passion.especially in the last few chapters are sooo sexy.
    I am addicted to this blog.Will try to regularly comment from now and will soon comment on The Filigreed Sun :)
    eagerly waiting for the next part.. And belated Happy Birthday :)

    barunxoxo (IF)

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  52. fuck he's off the case how will he get involved now

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  53. SJ,
    Loved the update . Love the way you switch your narrative. Though a fairly new reader of your work, I would still like to tell you are amazing and we will stick by...

    inajnar (IF)

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  54. Piano... This is very very good.. All the best.. I am going out for holidays will not be available in dec...

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  55. I love this story as it reminds me to reteach myself, never expect anything; as at times the expectation far exceeds what we would have, what else expected. This is wonderfully layered tale, I am left wanting more. There is a charm in reading it bit by bit, the excitement and anticipation is not good for my nerves but really enjoyable.

    - Kalyaani (IF)

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  56. Hey SJ..!! I just came across this fanfic a few days back and believe me made it a point to complete reading all the updates in just one day.. :P Your writing style is so eloquent and there is something so unique in your writing.. ;)

    The STORY is simply AMAZING..! I love thriller stories and this one just tops the list of my favourites..! ;) ALL the characters are SO well sketched and every dots are so well connected with each other :) Looking forward to how Arnav will deal with this new people.. Seems like he has a plan.. ;)

    And i feel SO SO sad for poor Khushi..! My heart totally goes out for her.. :( And i hate both Payal and Shyam.. lol.. Morons :p

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  57. SJ maata!

    ASR just got a kick in the nuts - He's pulled off the case? DAFUQ!

    This is thrilling! I want to know more but yet I am fearing the unknown.

    What will ASR do, will destiny favor the 2.
    Will they be able to figure things out?
    Somewhere in my mind I have a doubt.

    Chalo chalo Update karo!

    Muah!

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  58. wow!!didn't know u updated...thanks...guessing gitu is behind the money transfers...and NK knows about it ...but keeping quiet

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  59. did he just got pulled out of the case because of that blackmailing jerk. arghhhhh

    we got Khushi's reason i am waiting to know what Shyam is getting through this fake engagement.

    poor Arnav his duty doesn't allow him to fall in love but his heart just wants her badly.

    -Smarties-

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  60. Hi SJ...
    Are you gonna update anytime soon, like this weekend?
    i so badly want to read the next chapter, before you take a break ;)
    tc, love
    JIA (Pinkss)

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  61. Wtf! He's off the case!!:S
    And Noam killed him!!:/ but the pprs are safe:D
    Shyam's a jerk....the transactions confused me...nk's taking money frm khushi's account but that's stupid....he must know they're being monitored
    Rabzooo

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  62. Interesting update SJ, Hope you had a awesome birthday !

    Soloperson, IF

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  63. Ohhh ASR is off the case nooooo!!!!!!! But I trust him and know.he will find a way to be with khushi. Now now what is NK up to??? And the curator is dead. This is getting more and more interesting with each update.
    Star(IF)

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  64. hi SJ.......

    im so sorry for late comment.i read 4 r 5 updates together.OMG!so much happened.i dont knw wat all i hv to say now.but im thorougly impressed.

    so in this update kushi-shyam ficaso is out.nothing like i expected.u had given a hint of it but i didnt pick it up.lol.ok,now wat is shyam's reasons????-is yet to knw.i suspect payal in tht context more.u knw,she said she had a surprise for kushi!i dread tht.yeww!!!!

    ASR removed off the case.WHAT THE!!!!
    but he grinned.HE GRINNED.now i cant wait for the next update SJ.im dying out of suspense.do update fast n i hope i cud read it fast too.

    n r arshi shared a passionate night.awww!!!!it was similar to TFS yet so different.i liekd it.but i want more.

    n y r u saying in the beginning about negative remarks on the story r something.wats going on????i dont get it.i dont read other comments now.no time di.thts y.wat is the problem with the plot?yea,sometimes somthings go over my head but u later on explain them through the chars in an understandable way.

    so NK is caught.but there is somthing off.wats it.he n geetu is in this together.not completely negative motives.but for survival i suppose.does geetu care for kushi.it seemed so.but wen one's life comes....is it tht track r is it to help kushi genuniely????i didnt get tht.nk????y???im confused SJ.cant wait for u to untie each knot.

    yewww shyam is nothing like TFS. i hate him already.yuck!

    kevin???wat is this guy yaar.i understand him n at the same time dont understand him.


    i hv a stupid thot.wil larnav marry kushi.then he is legal spouse right.n he is off the case too now.y not?stupid right.yea my head is not working nowadays.see, i knw arnav wont leave kushi here n go.as he said friend otpion is out.n wat did shyam report for God's sake.but will kushi's father be effected???i dont knw.but im sure arnav wud take kushi with him if he is to leave.if it was dramatic...lol.see my brain is not working these days.im sure u hv better n EXCELLENT ideas.waiting for tht.

    oh how long will the break be?????sobs......

    daljeet

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  65. oh my days....wat a way to start a saturday morning....5 chapters on sj'S most gripping world of fiction.

    this story literally kerps me on the edge of my seat never knowing what comes next.

    so NK was the mole??? seriously.....no i m still in denial. something is not adding up.

    isaacson is dead....damn damn damn....but then the file is still there.....wil ASR find it b4 the FBIs seal the place???

    damn gurl this is super great read n i cant put it down when i start reading.

    ur one night encounter was sexy as hell....sexily erotic n par excellence.

    which distant cousins son did khushi's biological dad adopt??? n where is that childs original family???

    SJ i know u shall be taking a few days off due to family emergency, i shall be waiting for ur return n read the update that will get me out of this cliffhanger state....

    u rock gurl. u totaly rock.

    avni...highonshows IF

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  66. Hi,

    Really loved your story and enjoying the thrill of it!!!

    It is sad to see you go through some things regarding your ff.

    Those 3 need to get a life. Big deal so they can write a couple of good stories and they think they are the next JK Rowling. So I can't use JD or call my ex names or use a name like Pratap or the colour red because the bitches have seem to copyrighted those things.HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!

    Joke of the century!!!!

    Screw them and you continue with your story we are with you and love you. And if they feel they are too good for us then fuck them they can take their work down.

    WHO CARES?

    Aliyah.

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  67. Brilliant chapters
    K

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  68. What does stupid Shyam want, i thought he was rooting for Khushi to be his beard but this seems more than that! So curious and aaaarrrggghhhh ASR pulled out of the case! What's next :O

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  69. Hi SJ,

    good writing, u had me hooked from day one...u have a way with words...peeling one layer at a time or maybe two/three.
    thrilling...

    love
    -Sara

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  70. Awesomeee read the last two in one go and i lovedd it , I'm so sorry i am busy at the moment and therefore cannot comment much but it was awesome!

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  71. What all we do for friends and family *sigh*......shyam had thought till the last detail....or was someone else thinking for him???
    Could it be gitu???instead of NK???

    Loved it

    P.S. sorry for being irregular in commenting......will try to be as regular as i can...you are doing a brilliant job.....keep updating ;)

    Shweta 1691

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  72. 75 comments without sending out PMs or emails. SJ you are awesome and you better know it.

    Sorry for the late late comment, a Patel has been keeping me busy recently.

    I love how things are progressing in break neck speed, every update feels like a roller coaster ride. This story is so well researched and so well intriguing. Writing about romance and human psychology is much easier when compared to a story like this, so I respect and appreciate your efforts.Ye

    Yeh lo Jhappi- viraf style for you.

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  73. This page was recommended to me by a friend. And I'm glad she did. I've spent my day reading in between work and I've loved. You write beautifully and the plot is quite something too. You've got yourself a new follower :)

    Hope everything is going well

    Ppat

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  74. Yo Yo SJ :)
    Where ijjj you my friend, its been a week now!!!
    Can we expect an update soonish :)
    love
    JIA (Pinkss)

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  75. fantastic updates SJ....


    Huny.thebest

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  76. ASR is off the case..i bet things will get more interesting now..:-D..cant wait for it.. hope to see u back soon ...

    Somya

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  77. ASR is off the case..i bet things will get more interesting now..:-D..cant wait for it.. hope to see u back soon ...

    Somya

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  78. SJ, hope all is okay! I am just reading chapters 16 & 17 today! Will respond once I am done!
    Take care!
    Maya Di
    IF ID - Mayad

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  79. This story is better than any thriller I ever reador saw on the silver screen. You have a gift with words. Please continue soon.

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  80. You have away with words one of the most intriguing stories I have ever read

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  81. SJ did u really do a Sobti on us..? =O =P
    I hope you are doing good <3
    Waiting for chapter 18.. :)

    God Bless you..

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  82. Awwwwweeesomme update! :D

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  83. Nk taking d money goShhh n ASR off d case...naiilbiting

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  84. So ASR is leaving?? Something tells me NK is not the one...maybe I am right maybe I am wrong...

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  85. Another brilliant update, loving how things are coming out into the open slowly!!!

    Hope ASR can get Shyam off her back, I have one idea of how he can (I dont mean shooting him in the bollocks but would gladly pay for that to happen LOL) but let's see how you deal with it!

    Annoyed about ASR being taken off the case & wondering what NK is up to or if it's a set up also wondering if him or Kevin are the moles!!!

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  86. Oh no!Another baddie. Cant believe that NK has his own agenda too.

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