The Kohinoor Diamond

Malhaar

I lay low. Arun could not see me! not now not ever! my chest heaved up and down. my breathing was starting to grow shallow. my right hand throbbed but I had to continue. There was a lot of blood. My vision started to dim. I knew this was the end of it all. All that pain was for nothing! was all that suffering just for another family to die at Meghaliya's hands. I had to stop him but here I was!

 

I watched as Wally(my cousin's brother) and Ahaan (my twin) wrestle over who would get the tv remote. Ahaan is my twin brother he's 12 (like me) he had glossy black hair which was in his usual Bed head look. His brown eyes glistened with happiness he loved Wally's visits. Wally always managed to make him laugh which was something I sucked at. Wally was thin and lanky which made him look like he was older than his actual age(which was 14) he had dark brown hair and a mischievous smirk that was permanent for him. Ahaan was diagonised with Autism but mind you he was probably ten times smarter than he showed. I knew that being his twin. Wally shouted at me bringing me back to reality. "A little help here? You know you could make yourself useful." I gave him an exasperated nod "By doing what? Acting like a few lion cubs? nah I'd rather be useless"

"oh fine!" said Wally as Ahaan showed up victorious. Ahaan was giggling feverously "That was fun!" he said finally. I said in a matter-of-fact way "You know I have better things to do than sit around and judge your wrestling competition." 

"oh sorry, your Highness. I shall go get you your tea which I hope you'll like" Wally said so in a British accent 

"oh Shut Up! I made one mistake now you will never let me hear the end of it!"

"true! But seriously who stands up and tells a teacher 'I'm sorry I did it wrong your Highness'!" Ahaan burst out laughing. A blush crept up my cheeks. I did not mean to do that.

Then I made up an excuse and said "bye I'm going down to play." With that I left my living room and entered my lobby. What happened next was traumatizing.  

Rakesh

3 of us witnessed this from 3 different sides. Me, Advika, and Keshav were trying to piece it up. But without the last piece, we could do nothing, it was like one of us was holding back!

I am a single child so there is a lot of time of being bored, but whenever my friends called me I was really different.

 

 and ran toward my friends. My friends were Eeshaan and Arna. Eeshaan was like me also diagnosed with autism. He was a trustworthy friend. And I loved being around him. Arna was the most ferocious and protective friend ever. Once this boy Aarav was making fun of me and let's just say things got painful (not for Arna mind you for the other guy) she like me, and Eeshaan also had autism. Another thing I should mention is that when it comes to her candy, she can be well…. Um possessive. Back to the story. I ran up and met them Arna (like always) was licking a lollypop. They both were sitting in the amphitheater. When they saw me, their eyes widened in happiness. We spoke a bit that's when Arna said "Let's go to the basketball court" I agreed which was bad as I had no idea what was about to come my way.

Keshav

for once I longed for one of Advika's Sarcastic comments. Anything that had something to do with her. Instead, it was almost like she had disappeared of the face of this planet. I needed her now! I would not be able to remain quiet for much longer.

You know I always used my funny outlook as a mask for sorrow that hid underneath. I was isolated, and bullied by other kids for well random reasons like no. 1 my parents died in an airplane crash when I was 7 years old ever since then I've stayed with my grandmother. No. 2 I'm different from other kids I've bottled up my feelings. It's like a person can break that jar any minute and all those feelings would come pouring out. Anyways why am I talking about that cause that will explain something later? I took the elevator up the building. Myra my sister lived on the 19th floor. So I went there. Their parents were at work right now. I propped my legs up on the sofa and watched tv in a few minutes I heard I siren. What! I thought to myself. I went out of that flat and heard the words "fire. Please calmly ascend down to your closest refugee floor I repeat." I was scared out of my wits! Was this a normal drill or was it serious? I had no idea as I did not live here! from the corner of my eye, I saw a roaring fire! Oh damn! I had to leave. I quickly took the keys and locked the door. I immediately advanced down the stairs. Terror flashed through my heart. I rushed down not knowing what the refugee floor meant. I stopped when I reached the 13 floors this was actually the Maintenance floor so it was not mentioned in the elevators. I had stopped only to take a break. That's when I realized that the door to enter the place was remarkably small like my younger sister could fit in without having to crouch the door was not closed instead it was open, I felt an irresistible urge to look inside. I walked in and hid behind a wall. I heard voices soon that became audible. I could see a few men sitting at a table. One guy was wearing a hoodie and jeans, another was wearing a normal T-shirt and jeans, and one guy was in an Italian suit! Soon I started to hear them. The Hoodie guy said, "If Ritvik's snobs come poking their noses then I swear I will have to kill that kid!"

Tux dude said "Remember the agreement, you will get your money when you have caused enough damage. A killing spree is what I had in mind. You can kill as many agents as possible you like but I want Preet alive!"

My mind was in a complete state of Confusion now! What the hell? Had I stumbled on a serial killer's hideout? Or were these guys simply talking about Pubji? I did not know what to do. It's not every day you will……hear something like this! I decided I had heard enough. I slowly retreated backward. I climbed down to the 12th floor. From there I took the lift back down. I really hoped that by now the fire had been stopped or had ceased by itself. I continued to think about what had happened up at the 13th. I knew at that moment I would never want to go there ever again. Unfortunately, that wish would never be true!

Advika

I woke up groggy to a familiar face "Arun!" I whispered. "Yes Advika, you gave us quite a run for our money but it's over now! Give me the diamond" "I don't have it!" "Give it or this will get bloody" it did but he had no that I never had the diamond.

I regretted attempting that stupid stunt. It led to an unfolding of a lot of events. Some I wish never to think about. My friend Ayasha said "Advika have you ever gone up to the 13th floor? I mean all of us have except you!"

"No! why would I want to go to the 13th floor?" I said puzzled.

"Because it's so weird you should check it out!"

"Umm I don't think we are allowed to go there and I think there's a reason why!"

"oh, stop being such a scaredy cat and come!"

Then Dhyana said "yep come on"

I immediately knew they would keep pestering me until I did it. One girl in our gang 'Jamilla' she was the most reserved and mature girl in our group.

She surprisingly said "come on will it ruin your life!? No right so just come already!"

Her unsettling gaze was on mine "okay! Fine I'll do it." Our gang whopped. I shook my head in disbelief. But was Jamilla not right, I mean It could not ruin my life, could it? Oh, how wrong I was!

Malhaar

When I woke, I was greeted by a familiar face. One I had wished not to see again. "When will you stop ruining my plans Preet?"

"Nice to meet you too, Meghaliya!" I said sarcastically.

"where's the diamond?"

"Not with me, but on the way to a place it belongs!"

"You will pay for this" and yep, I did.

 

When I reached down, I met with my friend Jamilla, lately she had been hanging out with older girls but she always spoke to me. I mean she needed too we were both part of the same organization. She said in a worried voice "I think something wired is going on! A girl called Advika had gone to the 13th floor and returned terrified. She refused to tell us anything, but I knew better." I was shocked, if some criminals were in the building, then no one would be safe. I shuddered at the thought of my last case. "I think it's time Jamilla!" I spoke. she nodded in response. I then disappeared into the crowd searching for my friends. Jamilla thought I was going to play but in reality, I was about to make the biggest heist of the century!

 

Rakesh

My heart was pumping loud, the sight in front of me was terrifying! a chill ran down my spine I felt as if someone was watching me. What would happen now? Someone I knew was on was hanging somewhere between life and death. Would he be able to survive? Or would another person die at Arun's hands?

 

Arna, Eeshaan, and me all walked towards the basketball court. I had a ball with me and then we started to play a 2 we 1 game. I shouted in glee as I shot a basket! That second I turned to high five Eeshaan my team mate when the next thing I saw was maddening. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something which was covered in a dark green fall at an alarming pace. Almost like this thing was heavy. It looked big to. then with a sickening thump it fell on the floor. My heart lurched forward as I saw what it was. A bloodcurdling scream ascended into the air. My happiness now had morphed into horror. I looked up to see the floor the person had fallen from. It was pure instinct and luck that I found what I found. I saw a man with brown hair make a hasty leave! I knew that moment this man was involved in this somehow! A lot of people shouted but I could only hear the blood roaring in my ears. Then one scream registered in my brain "A Man's been killed!" I felt sick to my stomach. My heart was beating at an alarming pace. Thump, Thump, Thump! That was the only thing I could hear. I was trembling as I watched in horror, I wanted to look away but for some reason I could not. In a few minutes the police had also appeared they called witnesses forward. I was one. I knew something others did not, and I was going to tell it. I spilt everything to an inspector. That's when the inspector ran up the floor to see if the man was still there. in time's course Eeshaan and Arna's parents rushed down. Mine were still working. Eeshaan's mother asked, "Ahaan do you want to come with us we can wait until your parents arrive?" I could not say anything. I simply nodded, tears in my eyes. I went back to their house with them. I was too shocked to register this. I sat down on Eeshaan's bed. His mother made us some Horlicks. Now everything started to register. That's when Eeshaan's dad came into his room with a worried look on his face. "Ahaan, I think we should talk!" that second I knew something was wrong. I walked into their living room with them. That's when Eeshaan's dad broke it to me "there's been a fire on your floor" now I was dumbstruck.

  

Keshav

My heart was beating fast. I was about to be killed. A gun was at my head, but Malhaar was just watching with a neutral expression on her face. Did she even care? Was this really going to be the end? Was I going to die?

 

 As I went down, my brain took in all that happened. Wow I thought at last, it was almost like a movie. I decided not to tell anyone. Just wait to see if any murders had been taken place. If so, then I'd report everything and hope that me or my family would not be murdered. Yay! Best Plan of the Century.(not) anyways that day as I was going to call my uncle and aunt and tell them everything when I saw a man walking. He had brown hair and a broad face line. He looked exactly like the man I had seen on the 13th floor! Gosh! Then I heard shouting and lots of screaming. I had to decide. Either go to the screaming or follow the killer. I decided the screaming as following a killer without backup would be dangerous. When I entered the skating rink is when I first saw a terrible sight. my heart lurched forward. A body was on the floor with blood piling around it. There were already a crowd and the police had just arrived. They secured the place and called forward witnesses. Everyone said the same thing except for one boy. He said that he saw a man around 30 to 40 years of age with Brown hair and a strong jawline on the same floor as where the body fell. That's when I knew that the man was behind all this. Just when one of the inspectors was leaving I ran over and spilled everything. The woman's eyebrows got lost in her hair. She said "Come tomorrow to Dadar police station. With that boy." She pointed at the kid who was a witness. 

 

Advika

I rushed through the corridor my pursuers followed, my heart thumped really bad. My legs felt like giving out but I forced them to move forward. I had to deliver this diamond to the right owner just like Malhaar had told me. This was a deadly game of Catch and Cook, my only problem was that I was close to being caught!

 

As I climbed up to the 13th floor, I felt uneasy. As if something big was about to happen. When I reached the floor I was amazed to see a really tiny door. I peaked in from the side. What I saw next left me speechless. I was a boy around 16 in age on the floor, he was begging a man who was towering over him to stop. "I seriously have no idea what you are talking about please stop! I am begging you!" by now the teenager was literally sobbing. "oh you are hard to break but in time's course you will tell me what I want to know" I watched in horror as the boy was punched in this gut. I winced in pain. Then I heard the man say "where is Malhaar Preet?" 

"I…I ser…seriously don…. don't know!" gasped the boy. I felt like helping him but what chance did I have against those two grown men who could easily kill me? what could I do? That's when out of the corner of my eye I saw a girl. To be precise the girl was Malhaar Preet she was kind of famous in the building for fearlessly stopping a human trafficking case she was well-known all over India. The girl signaled me towards her. Then she said "Something bad is going to happen! I need you to help me! Can you?"

"Uuum… that's a lot to ask for."

"I know! If you can help, then please let me know now! The fate of our country depends on it!"

I was pretty hesitant then I thought back to what my parents had told me 'no matter what Advika always help a person in need!' and that's what I would do!

"yes!"

"okay I need you to take this and keep it with you. I will contact you when to give it back"

My eyes widened when I saw a humongous diamond which Malhaar removed from her bag "is… is that the Kohinoor Diamond?"

I asked shocked "yes! I know you have questions, but I can't answer them right now I need to leave those men are after me!"

Saying so she fled up the stairs. I'm pretty sure my brain could not take in what I was holding in my hand and a lot of questions were raised in my head. Why were these men after Malhaar? What did she have to do in this entire ploy? And why did she ask me to do something like this?

Malhaar

I smiled at what I had done. The diamond was back to where it belonged. I was safe at last! Boy, I had no idea how wrong I was! Immediately from behind me I felt a person stuff something on my mouth. "don't struggle Preet! you'll get what you deserve in sometime."

 

I slowly walked up those steps. My heart hammered against my chest. I finally reached to a stop I hid behind a wall. I had a clear sight of the diamond now. My gosh it was humongous. would I really be able to steal it without getting caught? Well if I got caught then I will have to deal with the fact that I could have helped save the world from a nuclear disaster but did not. I knew it would be only a few more days or who knows minutes until U.K would realize that their Diamond was missing. I slowly crept towards the diamond. I was soon just a step away from the diamond when I heard an alarm ringing Damn! I thought. It was the fire alarm. I had to get out quick. I gently took the diamond and put it in my bag. Now all that was left to do was to deliver it to the U.K and then I would be done for. That's when I saw a face peeking at me, I knew that face! It was Keshav's! a boy who I had helped once. I put my finger to my lip. Signaling him to keep quiet and then whispered, "what are you doing here get to safety!" he simply nodded and then he said "meet me tomorrow in the amphitheater we need to talk!" and went through the escape chute. How much had he seen? I thought. That's when I heard footsteps creeping towards this place. Then I also heard screaming. I decided to leave. On my way out I saw a girl around 15 years old. I recognized her she was one of those girls who played with Jamilla. "Something bad is going to happen! I need you to help me! Can you?"

"Uuum… that's a lot to ask for."

"I know! If you can help, then please let me know now! The fate of our country depends on it!"

The girl looked hesitant, I mean who would not, I was asking her to risk her life. she suspired me by saying "yes!"

"okay I need you to take this and keep it with you. I will contact you when to give it back" I raced up the stairs No matter what. I could not let them catch me! Not now, Not ever!

 

Rakesh

The news was all so sudden I could not believe it! When it processed I ran out their house in tears . I knew it was not their fault but still. I ran into the lift and went to the amenities floor I ran into a spot only I knew and openly started sobbing. while I was crying two kids came into the spot. A boy who looked around 15 , he was tall and lanky. The other one looked like a fashion model for some reason. With his black bedhead look and 'I-don't-give-a-damn' attitude. Then they realized another person was there too. That's when the tall guy said rudely "I thought this was a spot only I knew!" that's when Fashion model said "shut up Wally! Hey, my name is Ahaan! What's yours?"

I sniffled and said "I'm Rakesh! Don't mind me I'll just leave."

"no, no not all for that fact we will leave! Just one thing Are you autistic?"

"yeah, yeah how did you know?"

"I'm Autistic too!" said Ahaan proudly

I had never felt Proud to have a disability, but this guy inspired me. He gave me his hand I used it to get up. This guy was amazing! then he asked " I don't mean to be insensitive but why were you crying?"

That's when everything spilt out. Ahaan had an understanding look throughout the entire time until the end when I mentioned the fire. His face morphed from understanding to horror he interrupted me "where do you live?"

"Tower 4, 16th floor"

Ahaan's eyes were wide in horror he looked at the other guy and said, "Wally we live on the 19th floor!"

"Soo?" asked Wally. Looking puzzled. 

"Soo the fire could have spread! How do we know our floor is not burnt down?"

That's when it all registered in Wally's brain, he was pretty slow to be honest. I watched as this brain worked and as if a machine had come to a stop he abruptly "Damn, we need to check if it has!" saying so he ran out of that room. Ahaan said, "Sorry for being so vague but I think that in time's course you will understand! Plus meet me in the outdoor play area at 5 in the evening." he ran after Wally after saying those words. What did he mean by 'in times course'? why was he so on the edge throughout the conversation? Did he know about something which he was not telling me? Was he connected to the murder?

 

Advika

"It's 5 am in the morning!" shouted my mother "what right do you have to come to our house asking such wired questions! Get lost!"

The man was now pretty confused! My mother slammed the door in his face.one thing I knew about my mother was that no one messes with her sleep pattern. Otherwise, she could murder you. I walked back into my room and sat on my bed. The man did ask wired questions in my mother's eyes I was an innocent child who Forgodsake had never gone out by herself. Why would she think I was hiding one of the most precious diamonds in the world? Sounds stupid when I say it out loud, but it is true. Today is a Sunday so no school for me but for once I actually wished that there was School cause what happened next was the most dangerous thing any 15-year-old had ever attempted. While I went down for my daily jog, I decided to do it down the ramp that surrounded our building. The wheatear was pretty good. It looked like it would raining in a few hours, on my second lap something really weird happened. While I was running out of the corner of my eye, I saw a man close in on me, I started to increase my pace until I was full on sprinting. I had the upper hand since I was a few meters ahead. Unfortunately, soon the distance between us started to close in. now I was sure this man was chasing me, my heart filled with terror. My heart was loudly thumping against my chest. I took a small detour into a corridor I rushed through the corridor my pursuers followed; my heart thumped bad. My legs felt like giving out, but I forced them to move forward. I had to deliver this diamond to the right owner just like Malhaar had told me. This was a deadly game of Catch and Cook, my only problem was that I was close to being caught! Then I jumped into a corridor but at the last second I realized that there was no floor below me. That's when I fell. Down low! Good news! I survived! Without any injuries! Other good news the guy chasing me got lost with all the turns I took. I got one last look at his face when I jumped. He had brown hair and in one of his hands he had a knife! Why did I ever take the diamond from Malhaar? 

Keshav

The next day, me and the boy went to the police station. We carpooled because why not? His name was Rakesh, and he had brown hair and overall was a scrawny kid, he stuttered at times but why would I care? I liked him. He was nice and was a geek over Star Wars. Like me! Yay! I was happy to find someone who loved Star Wars. But that's not what I am here for. I'm here to explain what happened at the police station. when we reached this inspector called Rajesh wanted to question me. i quickly went and sat at a chair. i was annoyed by what happened next.

 

Malhaar

It's been 2 days since I gave the diamond to Advika. Today's is when to attacks started. This morning while I was going to school something happened. I go by school bus. When I entered the bus I took my normal seat next to a 10 year old girl called Irena. In a few minutes we started laughing. It was always easy to talk to Irena. While we were crossing Sat Rasta the bus suddenly came to a stop. Ugghhh, I thought to myself maybe another tire puncture like almost every month! Surprisingly two people entered the van. Everyone's eyes simultaneously went up to the two newcomers. One man was wearing daily clothes and the other was in full leather. My heart filled with dread! I knew both those men! I had wished never to see them again! The normal clothes guy was Arun, and the leather guy was Robert, his assistant. Arun scanned the van, thankfully I was hidden by a tenth grader ahead of me.

Our driver started shouting at the newcomers in Hindi "are you guys stupid? Standing Infront of a van? Get out!"

That second Robert's hand smacked the drivers face. "Shut up will you!"

That's when all hell broke loose. The driver smacked Robert's nose hard, which caused it to bleed then Arun sighed as if he was disappointed and aimed his gun at the driver and with utmost precision shot him straight on the chest. Now everybody was shouting. It was unbelievable! How could Arun kill someone Infront of so many witnesses? Now everyone was trying to escape, I was ironically the only person on my seat and that's exactly what Arun saw. He smirked my way and started advancing towards me that's when I did something which I thought was only possible in movies. I jumped out of the window! One, clear jump across. I landed straight on my butt but I quickly got up and without wasting a second I raced across the road dodging cars. From somewhere behind me I heard Arun shout "we need her alive!" as I raced across the roads . out of the corner of my eye I saw. Arun starting to advance on me. I could not let him catch me, at least not yet I needed to return the diamond! I had it in my bag! that encouraged me to run quicker! I swiftly turned right into a colony. I raced up the stairs, there was no time for the elevator. I heard Arun's footsteps louder from behind me. That's when the searing pain hit my shoulder. I gasped as I slowed down. My arm was covered in blood! But I was sure it was not a bullet hole. Arun was advancing. I could deal with a wound later. Right now, I had to focus on my escape from that place. With all the lefts and rights, I was taking, I soon lost Arun. I sprinted behind a wall. I don't think it could have fooled Arun but it was better than not trying! I slid down the wall. I lay there trying to grasp the seriousness of the situation. I was cut across my shoulder bad. My entire school uniform was now covered in blood. My wound burnt bad! I lay low . Arun could not see me! not now not ever! my chest heaved up and down. my breathing was starting to grow shallow. my right hand throbbed but I had to continue. There was a lot of blood. My vision started to dim. I knew this was the end of it all. All that pain was for nothing! was all that suffering just for another family to die at Meghaliya's hands. I had to stop him but here I was!

  

Rakesh

Me and Keshav Carpooled to Dadar police station, the inspector in charge called Inia, told me that she would question me more and the police sketchy guy (that's what they are called, right?) would make a sketch of whoever I talked about. I liked Keshav, he had an infectious personality. Somehow, he made the dull atmosphere in my parent's car happy! Soon we were all bursting in laughter at all his jokes. By the time we reached we were all happy! Even though he seemed so happy something about him struck my off. When we reached the officers took me into the interrogation room. There Inia said "Thank you Rakesh, for coming. Frist I'd like to ask you how did this man look?"

 

"so, uuum he had brown hair, a broad jawline, he looked like he was wearing normal clothes…... and well that's all because I saw him from a distance."

"Okay, so have you seen him before?"

"no!"

She asked me quite a few questions and then let me go. Then Keshav entered, after about 15 minutes he stormed out and angrily sat down. I gave him a questioning look he answered saying "they are calling me a suspect ! me! A 16 year old kid a suspect!"

I stared in disbelief. Is this really how dumb our world has become? It was obvious Keshav could never do something like that! Or could he? I guess only time would tell. 

Advika

 I had escaped with no injuries! Whoop! I seriously thought the fall would have injured me badly but the way I landed was better. As I walked to the elevator. I had just finished playing a badminton match with my best friend Aadia! While I was in the elevator something very weird (not in my language, probably in yours) happened.

When I entered the lift there was another man there wearing a black hoodie and looking at his phone with ear pods. when I came in he gave me a knowing smile. There was something about this man that made me uncomfortable. The lift went up to the 13th floor when suddenly it lurched downwards! It was all so sudden that I could not grasp control of the walls that surrounded me. This caused me to fall and hit my head against one of the walls "Ugghhh!" I said when I looked next to me to see if the man was alright, I saw him in the same position except for the fact he was now looking at me! That's when my heart fell! I knew this guy! He was Arun, a serial killer! I had seen him on the news, but I remembered he had escaped jail! He was also the guy who had chased me.

I trembled; I remembered that terrible experience against him! Was he the person behind the diamond? He saw my face and said "it's about time you recognized me!"

"Oh I remember you all right!"

"I know that you have some connection with Preet where is she?"

My eye's widened Malhaar was on the run Oh poor girl I remembered how terrified I was when I was getting chased for the first time.

Arun was not in a rush and he was certainly enjoying our reunion. That's when the lift lurched upwards. I was in the process, thrown unto the other side of the lift. "Oooww!" I yelped in pain as my hand connected to the wall with a sickening snap. Arun looked satisfied by the snap that would certainly make it easier for whatever ideas he had in his head. Suddenly the lurching of the lift stopped. He hoisted me up by my hair and pulled me out of the elevator. Then the pain in my hand emulsified. Was this seriously going to be the end of it all?

Keshav

I could not believe that those idiot inspectors called me a suspect! What could I have done? I was fuming the entire ride back home. When I reached, I stormed into the lift just before I entered, I heard a small POP. I turned in a flash and saw a man with a black shirt and jeans, I had hardly any time to digest anything before the stabbed something into my shoulder, I immediately blacked out. When I woke I was tied to a pillar. The bounds were cutting into my arms. It was uncomfortable. Soon I realized a girl who was dragged into the room. She struggled furiously, once she even managed to kick the man who was dragging her in the groin "oooww! Don't you worry I will deal with you soon enough" said the man I recognized his voice from endless taunting. It was Arun's he roughly dragged her in and tied her to a pole on the other side of the room. When he left she said impatiently "well, how long have you been here?" I was surprised by her tone, she sounded like I was sitting on a swing for too long and now she wanted her turn. Now when I think about it I had no idea how long I was here for! Was it days? Or weeks? Maybe months? Oh my god! This place was maddening. "I.. I don't know!" I stammered.

"Well, you must be the smartest person ever!"

Wow, how could she be so Normal! In such a dire time! Did she not grasp the seriousness of this situation? Well it would not be long before she became as well dull I guess as me! Then she said "Okay, I guess I'll try again. What are you here for?"

She said enunciating every word like she thought I could not understand what she was playing at, but I explained everything to her at the end. she raised her eyebrow in anticipation. Almost like she did not believe me! That's when Robert came into the room and untied me. Then he caught me by the scruff of my shirt and pulled me out. Well this was going to be fun I thought to myself. I was dragged to our normal torture room. I did not know anything. When will these serial killers notice that! Then Robert threw me on a chair. This time the only person in the room was one of the richest people in the world. What he had to do with me? No Idea! dude. I racked my brain for his name. What was it? Then it struck me "Meghaliya!" this guy was seriously a shame to that place! I mean how low can you get by kidnapping children? Then he said "okay kid, you know something don't you? Did you catch Malhaar in the act? Or did she tell you something?" the second he said Caught her in the act, that's when a bit of hesitancy crossed across my face. Meghaliya saw that and smirked. "See it was not that hard!" he said. Then he asked, "What did she tell you?"! I would not be able to remain quiet for much longer I needed Malhaar now! Where was she?

 

  Malhaar

 Over the last week is when the murders started. Frist a family in panvel, then a Couple in Central Mumbai. 5 more followed there was no trace of the murderer, but I knew better. This was a killing Spree for me! I had to send the diamond now! All these people could not die for me! I was busy today. At the end of the day, I rushed towards the post office to write a letter. When I was done, I rushed and caught a taxi. Wally was filling in on for me at home but I wondered how long he could keep up the act. I rushed into the taxi and relaxed. Over the last few days, I was unable to calm down at all. Over the last few days, I was in utmost terror even though I did not show it! In 20 minutes, I had reached. I walked out and was entering my tower when I sighed a sigh of relief, I smiled at what I had done. The diamond was back to where it belonged. I was safe at last! Boy, I had no idea how wrong I was! Immediately from the corner of my eye I saw a woman in normal clothes close in on me. I turned at the speed of light. The man looked familiar. Katrina? What was she doing here? then I realized she was probably trying to get the information out of me! she said "Where's the diamond, Preet?"

"No idea whatsoever!" I replied.

"Really? Are you sure about that?

"yes completely!"

 Then Katrina gave me look that looked like he was scolding a child as he was about to speak, one of my friends, Deetya rushed in and said " well Where have you been? Anyways your caught!" I sighed. Deetya saw her and said "Am I interrupting something?"

I looked at her exasperated and said "no, not at all let's go!" saying so she caught my hand and dragged me out. I did not look back

 

Rakesh

I went up a lift to the 13th floor I had made my decision. I was going to help that girl! But it was stupid to go alone. So that's exactly what I did. As I went up the lift guilt was gnawing at me. What if all I could help doing was getting killed myself? Well, it's too late now!

I trembled as I reached the 12th floor. From the 12th I had to climb up to the 13th. I was not surprised to see a small door cause I had been here many times with Arna and Eeshaan. I went in slowly. And watched I could see the girl getting pulled into the room. She was struggling ferociously. then she was tied to a pillar. I smiled everything was going according to the plan! Malhaar was to tell me everything. Soon the diamond would be in the rightful owner's hands!

KESHAV

I could not stand it anymore I spilt everything! At the end Meghaliya was smirking "well that went well, see Arun it was not that hard to figure it out! And news about Preet? I am sure she has the diamond and I want it! I always get what I want" now this guy was really striking me as a psychopath. If I ever got out of this Alive, I would make sure to write a comment about him. Arun calmly answered "she will be in your arms in a few hours, there is no way she would have anticipated what I have in store for her. Now I need my money, remember the deal!"

I looked in disbelief these guys killed, kidnapped, and tracked people down for money? What were they? Like bounty hunters from Star Wars? The thought got a smile to my face. Arun sneered "what you are smiling bout?" 

"I mean I am allowed to smile right? Or is that right also taken from me?" wow Advika was a bad influence!

I got pulled back into the other room and tied back again. Seriously? How many times? I had already lost the will to live. They had broken the bottle which I had which stored all my emotions and now there was nothing left to do. I mean stuck in a never-ending process.

When could they end my misery. I told all of this to Advika she snapped "you fool! Stop being one of those melodramatic fools!" that comment brought me back to the present. What the Hell? I did not want to die! At least not yet! Hopefully Malhaar returned the diamond. Hopefully this was all over now. Oh that was all wistful thinking.

 

Advika

What was wrong with Keshav? I mean no matter what I would never wish to die! Like never! Our plan was going exactly as per what Malhaar had planned. They chased me not her! If only they knew. Me and Keshav joined our two stories. I did not tell him everything because I knew he would be easy to break. I would not. There was just a few missing points like someone else was involved! I hoped not! Keshav said "wow, you are a bad influence! I can't believe I back answered a serial killer!"

I smirked and said, "they got nothing on us!"

"No to be honest they have a lot on us but okay!" Keshav said. I shook my head leave it to Keshav to discredit everything you do. If I got out of this alive (which I highly doubt!) I would give a talk to Keshav about this.

A few hours passed. Soon I started hearing shouting. Wow! These guys really love to shout. Then the biggest shock of my life came my way.

Rakesh

Flashback

That day when Ahaan met me we spoke a bit and then he left. It was pretty empty that day, than I saw a girl, sprinting at top speed. I in front of her. She unfortunately did not see me and slammed straight into me. We both landed on the floor. She was a 12 year old , a few years younger than me. She had brown hair which was tied in a ponytail. Her banks were swept over to the right side. She did not even mutter an apology she just got up and left. As she was going, I saw a note on the floor. I don't know why I was eager to read it. on it was written 'ten this night, balcony.'

Did it mean that girl would meet me there or something would happen at that time, in my balcony. Or was it meant for someone else? I did not ponder on it. I simply took the note and threw it in the dustbin. That night I went to sleep at around 9. That's when I heard a booming noise! I cussed at well …. no one. I got up and walked towards the balcony. I was surprised to see a man in a hoodie. To be precise, he was a serial killer, the one I had spoked to Inka he railing. About. He was simply leaning on the railing. I felt an earge to push him over like how he had pushed Rohit the gardener. Unfortunately, he already guessed my move and in a few seconds my hands were pinned against my back. Then he said " fine where is the diamond?" my eyebrows raised in surprise. That's when he realized I had nothing to do with anything! "Oh that ******* lead me here on a false whim! When I get back I will make sure he never wished he was born but what about you?" he mused

I said " I have no idea, but not killing me would be great!"

He smiled and said "tomorrow go to the police station and report everything that happened here. I want to cause as much Chaos as possible!" saying so he strutted out the balcony and somehow climbed into the other apartment. What the hell? He just let me be. Wow I must be lucky! I decided not to throw my luck away and do what the guy said. The next day that's exactly what I did. That's when I bumped into Malhaar and that's when a whole series of events were unfolded everything became much clear.

Rakesh

When I met Malhaar she gave me a knowing nod. I walked up and told Inia everything. At the end she raised her eyebrows and said "Malhaar come here!" Malhaar strutted over and gave me her unsettling stare. Inia said "Are you sure you are okay with him listening?"

She nodded her head her gaze still on me and said "yes! I think he can help. But Inia are you sure you'll be able to not tell anyone about this and can we go to a place where people can't hear us?"

Inia nodded, she led the way. She took a left and reached a room. We went in and she locked the door. Malhaar started "I need you to do a favor, Ahaan told me about you. He said your trustable?" she asked. "wait! How do you know Ahaan?"

"he's my twin brother!" she said examining a file which Inia had given her. Oh now that I looked her like that I realized that there were similarities. She had a lot of Sarcasm and Sass. 

"sure!" I said wondering about what was about to happen. "okay! I need you to keep this with you." Saying so she removed a diamond from her bag. My eyes widened. That diamond was humongous! Wow! But was Malhaar doing something illegal? I nervously asked "is this illegal?"

She shrugged and said "it depends, in Mumbai not really! But could. It depends on how you see it!" I shuddered what did she mean by how you see it? At the end the curiosity in won me over "fine!" Malhaar smiled 

 

Malhaar

I managed to somehow escape , with only a knife stab in my left shoulder. I only had to patch that up. And then I was relived. The diamond was gone. Back on the way to U. K where it will be received by a friend who would restore it Now only time would tell how this situation would turn out. Meghaliya's men would have to turn down now. There was no point in going forward. As I walked home I was relived all that pain was for something, All those people who died did not die for nothing. I could tell Advika to drop the act now! When I think about it I had not seen her for quite some time! What if they got her? I shuddered to think so. I knew that they had caught Keshav but Advika too? I hoped they would not capture Rakesh too. He knew to much. When I reached home I was surprised to see a few Police inspectors there. They looked pretty glum. My mom was sitting on one of our coaches. Ahaan was playing a game on his tab and Wally gave a sympathic nod. Why? No idea! Wally was weird. My mother said "Don't bother removing your shoes. You will have to leave in a few minutes anyways." The tone she said that in was dangerous. Like the tip of the iceberg.

The police constable said in Hindi " Ma'am, something bad has happened you will need to come with us. Mr. Ritvik Kapoor of the Azadi party has suggested that you could help us." The second I heard Mr. Ritvik Kapoor I was relived . but what was this bad thing they were talking about? Was someone else also murdered? I bid my mother farewell and went out with the constables. We went down the lift to the ground floor. And we entered a familiar blue Mercedes Benz. I sat in the back and someone was already sitting next to me. When I saw his face. I sighed in delight, it was Advik, an agent with me in hive mind. He looked pretty worried. He saw me and said "Thank God! You need to see this!" he showed me a video on his Phone. My heart filled with dread. A chill ran down my spine. I felt nauseous seeing the sight in front of me. I saw A girl. To be precise it was Advika. She looked determined but I knew beneath that she was terrified. The video showed a gun behind her head and the man filming said "Malhaar Preet, you will come to the place where you stole the diamond from and will surrender. Or the people around you will suffer starting from this girl and then these two" he said pointing the camera at Rakesh and Keshav. I felt guilty. What had I done? I knew right then that I would surrender. They would not suffer because of me. Too many people already had. That was not my fatal flaw! Mine was pride! I was to prideful to think that my plan would work for me. but it did not work for everyone. Tears glistened in my eyes. Advik saw that. He gently said "listen Malhaar, it's not your fault! They made their decision. You can't surrender!" I looked at him and said "I'm sorry Advik but I have to!" he gave me a pitiful look and said "but …but you always have a plan! what's it this time?"

I smiled and called Inia who was sitting ahead and said "gather your best squadron I think we might just win this!" Inia smiled she made a quick phone call and in five minutes her squadron was ready. I told them all the plan. they nodded. It was risky, but worth a try!

 

Her squadron disappeared in the elevator. Me and Advik waited for 5 minutes before we went up too. Advik prepped his gun nervously and hid it in his boot. Why did a 13-year-old have a gun and boots? No idea! I was only allowed to use a knife. When we reached the 12th floor, I took a deep breath in. this was it! I could not turn back now! I had to continue with the plan. I hoped this would work. It had to work! Advik gave my hand a tight squeeze to reassure me. We both walked up the stairs and reached the 13th floor. I was really tense. I stiffly opened the door and gave Advik a nod. It was now or never. I walked in and got my confident look back on. I was greeted by the most terrifying scene ever. Advika was on the floor her neck was bleeding. Dread washed over me. Without thinking I ran to her and bent over "NO!" I shouted "NO!" I immediately touched her wound; it was really deep! she was breathing raggedly. I pushed the Nausea back down. I immediately ripped the sleeve of her shirt and wraped it over her neck. It would not save her but it would give her more time. Arun walked out of the shadows his shirt had blood droplets on them. He saw me and gave a look of disgust. Then he saw advik and smiled. "oh Meghaliya's son! That coward ran away without paying me but you would be a nice revenge on him!"

 

My eyes widened. I looked at Advik in surprise. I mouthed the words Meghaliya, your father? He shamefully nodded his head. Wow that

 was a discovery! But I immediately felt disgusted that I was pondering about Advik's father while a girl was hanging somewhere in the middle of life and death. there was something else I had to focus on the current situation. I said "smart, to threaten killing the kids, you knew I would come!"

"Oh, people like you are so predictable!"

"what makes you think people like you aren't? I mean you have literally nothing more innovative or original to do? I mean you guys are the ones who go around killing people for no particular reason! Or maybe steal a diamond! Wow SOOO Original!" I said sarcastically. Arun raised an eyebrow in anticipation. Then he said " come forward Preet and drop those knives." He said looking at my hands. I walked 2 steps forward and dropped my knives this was all going according to plan. right after I dropped my knives down, in a flash Arun had caught my hand and had it pinned behind my back. He held a knife at my throat. He looked at Advik and said "if you try anything, the girl get's it and she's my way out of here!" advik put up a great act of looking helpless and raised his hands in surrender. I could not see Arun's face but I was sure he was smirking. He pulled me to one of the staircases. And just as he opened the door, I hit my head backward and it hit his chest hard. He stumbled back and that's when all hell broke lose. I dived downwards, towards my knives. While Inia's squad raced in. three men caught Arun's hands and pulled him forward. My heart raced. how would this end out? This was a spine-chilling experience for me! I could hardly breath. Arun proved that he had a few tricks up his sleeve. He broke one of his hands free and scooped a knife and chucked it at the constable next to him, that man collapsed. Inia Immediately took control of the situation. She plunged something straight into Arun's back. Now when I think about it, he never stood a chance. he fell into the arms of a few inspectors. I finally took a deep breath in. it was over! At last!

 

Advika

My heart raced. That day when Meghaliya had understood that the diamond was back where it belonged, he (sensibly) fled. Then we were at mercy to Arun. I was now tied to this chair and had a knife at my throat. I could die any moment. That's when I heard the creak of a door in a second. Arun's knife cut a gash against my troath. I felt a deep cut. I lay there panting. With the loss of blood I was sure to die anytime soon. I was pretty calm considering I was soon to die. I lay on the seat, waiting for my final breath. Soon my vision started to dim I saw Malhaar enter with a boy around her age behind her. She slowly shuffled forward. The second she saw me, a look of terror flashed across her face, she rushed forward and toched my neck "NO! NO!" she shouted. She immediately ripped my right sleeve of my shirt and wrapped it around my neck. I knew that would not save me. Nothing would! Her hands trembled as she worked, one of her tears fell on my face. She was the most experienced in this type of stuff between me, Keshav and Rakesh but she was still the youngest. She snapped at Arjun "Smart to threaten killing the kids! I wondered when you'd get your brains!" Arun snapped back "you people are always so predictable" I knew that Arun had the upper hand but I also knew that Malhaar would not rush in on a recuse mission without a plan. Malhaar immediately said "what makes you think people like you aren't? I mean you have literally nothing more innovative or original to do? I mean you guys are the ones who go around killing people for no particular reason! Or maybe steal a diamond! Wow SOOO Original!" I could sense every bit of hatred in her voice. Arun then said "come closer and drop your knives!" she obeyed silently the second her knives touched the ground Arun caught one of her hands and pinned it to her throat, with her now, his chances were increased. I was too tired to feel anything but I still felt a sense of dread wash over me. Now I was starting to breath raggedly. I did not have much time left. Arun dragged Malhaar to the left staircase. I now had to strain too see anything. The second Arun opened the staircase, all hell broke lose. That's when I smiled, the pit in my stomach now reduced. Malhaar never seemed to be a person who would do something without thinking, and she proved me right. Then my happiness washed off as my eyesight now grew dim. That last few words I heard were "SOMEONE CALL AN AMBULANCE!".  

Rakesh

I watched in horror as Arun cut a gash across Advika's neck. The falling pit in my stomach fell even lower! I really had hoped Malhaar's plan would work but turns out she planned only for herself, not for us. Now we had too face the consequences for her actions, I had half a mind to tell Arun everything, but I did not! Then a girl shuffled in. a boy was on her toes. She looked really nervous, but did Malhaar not deserve to be? The second she saw Advika, she sprinted towards her. She gasped as she saw how much blood had been lost. I wanted to help, but I was securely tied to one of the pillars. Malhaar's hands trembled as she worked, anyone could have seen that she was in utmost terror. When she was done she got up and angrily rubbed the tears out of her eyes, she looked at Arun and said "Smart, smart to threaten killing the kids! I was wondering when you would start using your brain." 

Arun snapped back saying "People like you are so predictable!"

Malhaar let every bit of her rage pour out "what makes you think people like you aren't? I mean you have literally nothing more innovative or original to do? I mean you guys are the ones who go around killing people for no particular reason! Or maybe steal a diamond! Wow SOOO Original!" that's when I realized that Malhaar was on my side. No matter what she did, she was also a kid. I saw Arun raise his eyebrow in anticipation and said "come closer Preet, and drop the knives" she did as he said. The second her knife touched the floor, Arun had caught her and had his knife pinned to her neck, he told the other boy(who looked really calm, considering the situation) "don't try anything, or the girl get's it and she's my way out of here!" Arun dragged Malhaar to the left staircase. The second he opened the staircase all hell broke out. A squadron stumbled in. everything went in such a flash I could hardly see anything. In about 5 minutes Arun was subdued. It was over! I laughed! I actually Laughed and it felt so good. Keshav looked confused! I looked at him and said "it's over! Arun is in the custody of the police!" Keshav smiled. I suddenly heard a really panicky scream "SOMEONE CALL AN AMBULANCE! NOW!"

 

Keshav

Advika was rushed in an ambulance we were left with the police, who quizzed me and Rakesh endlessly. The experience was horrifying. I had always read about stuff like this in books and wished for a life like that but now I wished never to see the word "Murder" ever again. I don't know how Malhaar dealt with this. Talking about Malhaar, her brother 'Wally' came running to the 13th floor and possessively hugged her. After about a minute the hug started to grow awkward and Malhaar said sarcastically "well tough guy you can continue for some more time!" Wally immediately let go of her and said in disbelief "Still with the sarcasm! Unbelievable! Ritvik is on his way." Wally and Malhaar walked out of the room. After a few more minutes our parents came rushing in. well Technically only Rakesh's parents came and my sister's parents came. They looked 15 times more worried than Rakesh's parents. My aunt said while she was cradling my head "You poor thing, first my sister than this? I must only wonder how you feel!" I openly cried then. I let all my feelings swarm out. To be honest it felt good! At the end I got up and smiled. I was going to have a normal life again. I walked out of the place as a different person, a new one!

 

Malhaar

Wally hugged me ferociously. I was thankful at that except for the fact that all the air from my lungs was starting to disappear. I was really trying not to be mean but I was really starting to suffocate. I at last said "Hey, tough guy! Continue for a bit more!" that's when he stopped and gave an embarrassed look he said "Still with the sarcasm! Unbelievable!" I smirked in response. Wally and me walked out of the staircase the second we reached out Wally said "I need to tell you something!" a sense of urgency was in his voice. I stood right opposite him, as he leaned in to whisper something, I felt a leg slam hard into my right shin. I recoiled in pain, "oww! Why would you do something like that!" I asked Wally as he sneered. He said "for you getting such a good case, and for not bringing me along!" I groaned as I stood up straight. "did you seriously have to do it that hard?"

"yep, just as hard as you did!" I smiled in pain; I was happy to live a normal life. The second I entered the ground floor; I was immediately swarmed by the reporters. Amid the chaos, a few inspectors had created an open pathway for me, and Wally we quickly left. Don't get me wrong I love reporters it is just that somehow, they seem to turn up at the most unfavorable time! We hastened through the crowd and quickly entered a car two people were already sitting in, one was Ahaan, the other was Advik (how come he appears in a car all the time?) Ahaan glared at me and said "Meanie! Weenie!" I cast him a scorn. What was wrong with these guys, I had risked my life and they were jealous. Pathetic! The car started moving, we were going to the Mall! It's not what it sounds like! You'll find out soon enough. It took us fifteen minutes to reach. When we reached, there were reporters crowded around the area. Wally asked in Hindi "What's going on?" to one of them, the guy responded saying "Oh Ritvik Kapoor of the Azadi party is here!" Wally scoffed. Ahaan strutted ahead of all of us. His eyes were still on his tab but miraculously, he did not manage to trip or stumble. We climbed the escalator up to H&M. We were going to go shopping! Yay! (not really, but fine!) when we reached up the guard stopped us at the door. "Oi, the store is shut! Where do you think you're going?"

I shot a glance at Advik who looked back, I gave him a look and told the guard "We were planning to go shopping but H&M is not meant for shopping is it?" that's when the guard realized who we were and hastily let us in. Ahaan, Wally, Advik, and I went up the escalator, up to the 3rd floor. The 3rd floor was meant for "Staff Only!" but we could use it for upcoming reasons. I went up to the meeting room, as Wally, and Ahaan went to collect something. Advik went to get a notebook. When I reached, I was greeted by the grim faces of my friends, Jamilla, Shanaya, and Arjun. Ritvik's face was bright red, like a tomato. He was talking to someone on his computer. He had EarPods in his ears. He looked agitated. The second he saw me, his frown deepened. After about five minutes he ended the call and sat in silence. Hearing one part of the conversation was really weird. By then Wally, Ahaan, and Advik had appeared. Ritvik did not speak for about 5 minutes, he tried to speak but chocked up every time last he managed to say "Malhaar, good job, I have a new job for you, you Jamilla and Shanaya come tomorrow to the airport. Everyone, that's all. Malhaar I need you to stay back" that second I knew something bad was going to happen. Everyone left that's when Ritvik said "The prime minister has been targeted for death, I've got a warning, from Meghaliya! He said to send the best. I just want to give you a warning. With Meghaliya it is never clear! I bet he has planned this."

That's when I realized why Ritvik's face was so red. Meghaliya always had a way of getting to him. Then I realized that I had just finished a case and now another one. Why!

 

the next book is something I still need to write, will inform you all when I am done writing it.