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Chapter 40 - The misunderstanding

FLASHBACK – INT. INTELLIGENCE BASE – LATE EVENING

Mahi steps out of a black government SUV.

She's back from Geneva — one day early. No one knows.

Her suitcase is small, her smile warm.

She walks through the dark corridors of the Intelligence base, wearing a soft cream sweater and jeans.

Holding a small paper bag — inside, his favorite chocolate chip muffins.

She checks her phone.

No message from Ahaan.

MAHI (soft whisper):

"Let's see how you react when I steal your coffee tomorrow…"

FLASHBACK CONTINUES – INT. INTELLIGENCE BASE – NIGHT

TIME: One hour before Mahi arrives.

INT. AHAAN'S OFFICE

Mishri stands at the coffee machine, eyes cold, calculating.

She takes a small white pouch from her coat.

Tears it open carefully.

A harmless-looking white powder pours into the bottom of a fresh mug.

MISHRI (low whisper):

"Just a little... confusion."

She stirs it into the black coffee, watching it dissolve completely.

Behind her, Ahaan walks in.

AHAAN (yawning):

"Still here?"

MISHRI (soft smile):

"You looked tired. Thought I'd bring you your poison."

She hands him the coffee.

He chuckles.

AHAAN:

"Thanks."

He takes a sip — bitter, strong — and walks toward his desk.

Mishri watches him.

The drug works quickly — nothing dangerous, just enough to disorient.

Make him drowsy. Blur his vision. Distort his mind.

---

INT. AHAAN'S OFFICE – 15 MINUTES LATER

Ahaan blinks hard. His vision starts warping — lights too bright, sound too soft.

He sees a silhouette enter the room.

The shape of a woman.

Hair tied back. Wearing cream. Holding a bag.

His eyes widen.

AHAAN (whispers):

"…Mahi?"

The figure steps closer — it's Mishri, dressed in a sweater that looks like Mahi's. She even sprayed Mahi's perfume.

She kneels in front of him.

MISHRI (softly):

"I came back early."

Ahaan's head droops, confused. Eyes half-lidded.

AHAAN:

"You said... tomorrow…"

She touches his cheek gently.

MISHRI (gently):

"I couldn't stay away from you."

He blinks — his vision doubles. Her face flickers between Mishri and Mahi.

He swallows hard, trying to stay awake.

She leans in.

His head falls against her shoulder.

MISHRI (whispers):

"Tonight… just let go."

She runs her hand down his jaw, guiding him back onto the couch.

He's barely conscious — eyes flickering open and closed.

She kisses his forehead.

Then his lips.

He doesn't stop her.

Because in his foggy, drugged mind — she is Mahi.

---

INT. OUTSIDE AHAAN'S OFFICE – SAME MOMENT

Mahi arrives.

Excited. Holding the paper bag.

She walks closer — sees the light on inside.

Peeks through the door's glass panel.

And sees Mishri bent over Ahaan, gently kissing him.

His hand — loosely curled around her wrist.

Eyes closed. Not resisting.

MAHI (stunned, whispering):

"…Ahaan?"

Her heart cracks.

This time, it's not misunderstanding.

It looks like betrayal.

She watches them for a second longer —

Mishri brushing hair from his forehead, whispering something.

Mahi steps back. Her fingers tremble.

She drops the bag again.

Muffins spill across the hallway floor.

She turns.

And walks away — this time, truly broken.

---

INT. INSIDE THE OFFICE – CONTINUOUS

Ahaan's POV:

The world blurs. He sees two women standing at the door.

He tries to reach out.

AHAAN (slurred):

"Mahi…?"

But he blacks out.

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