09-08-2024, 10:01 PM
Revathy rushed into her room, her heart racing as she slammed the door shut behind her. The USB drive felt like a bomb in her pocket, a weapon of mass destruction that could either propel her career into the stratosphere or blow it to smithereens. She fumbled with the lock, her hands shaking with a mix of excitement and fear. When she finally managed to free the device, she plugged it into her laptop with trembling fingers.
The files loaded slowly, each one a potential nail in the coffin of her moral compass. The politician's dirty laundry was laid out before her—bribery, corruption, and scandal. Her eyes widened as she scanned the documents, her mind racing with the implications of what she held. This was more than just a scoop; it was a golden ticket to the upper echelons of the corporate world, the kind of story that could make or break careers.
Revathy felt a smug smile tug at the corners of her lips. She had always been a savvy player, and now she had the upper hand. The thought of Naginder's sweaty, eager face only served to fuel her ambition. This was the moment she had been waiting for, the opportunity to prove her worth, to show that she wasn't just a pretty face. She had the power to bring dow men who had been untouchable for so long. she wanted to break this story as an independent journalist and thus give a boost to her passion journalism once more which seems to go down the spiral. frankly speaking she was bored with regular desk job in insurance sector. she miss the thrill of journalism , the fire in the belly she used to have and more importantly want to go back to the power corridor of delhi.
The next morning, she served Alok and Arun breakfast with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. They talked about the storm the night before, the mundane conversation a stark contrast to the tempest raging in her thoughts. She watched her son, his innocent eyes looking up at her with love and trust, and felt a pang of guilt. How could she have let Naginder touch her? How could she have enjoyed it?
Alok looked at her with concern. "Is everything alright?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine care. She forced a laugh, the sound hollow to her own ears. "Of course, it's just the storm," she replied, pushing her food around the plate. "It kept me up all night."
Arun tugged at her shirt, his little eyes wide with curiosity. "Can we go to the park today, Ma?"
Revathy's heart squeezed at the innocence of his question. The park was their usual weekend haunt, a place where she could push aside the shadows of her past and revel in the simple joys of motherhood. "Of course, we can," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "After I drop you at college, I'll come home and change, and then we'll go."
As she drove Arun to college, her thoughts returned to the USB drive. The information it contained was explosive, and she knew that once she released it to the media, there would be no going back. But the thrill of the potential scoop was overshadowed by the guilt that gnawed at her. How could she have let Naginder manipulate her like that? She had been so hungry for success, so desperate to prove herself, that she had compromised her dignity.
Once she dropped Arun off, she rushed back home, eager to get ready for the day ahead. She put on her favorite red sari, the one that made her feel strong and powerful. The fabric felt like a shield against the shadows of the night before. She tied her hair into a neat bun and applied her makeup with practiced strokes, each movement a deliberate effort to erase the memory of Naginder's hands on her body.
As she worked, she tried to focus on the mundane tasks of the day, planning dinner and running errands. She even managed to write a few emails for work, her mind buzzing with the details of the story she hadn't yet written. But with every keystroke, the image of Naginder's leering face popped into her mind, his hand reaching for her. She gritted her teeth and forced herself to focus on the screen, pushing the USB drive and its dark contents to the back of her mind.
Arun's laughter filled the house when he returned from college, and she felt a pang of relief. The innocence of her son's joy was a balm to her soul, reminding her of the life she had built, the life she had to protect. They played board games, his tiny hands eager to win, and she felt a warmth spread through her chest, pushing the shadows away.
In the kitchen, she chopped vegetables with a fervor, the rhythmic motion of the knife cleansing her mind. She focused on the aroma of the spices, the sizzle of the oil, and the comforting sounds of their favorite Bollywood songs playing in the background. It was a dance of domesticity that she had perfected over the years, a dance that had become a shield against the chaos of the outside world.
Revathy took Arun to the park, his laughter echoing through the quiet afternoon air. She pushed him on the swing, watching his legs kick up into the sky, feeling the tension in her shoulders begin to ease. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to forget about Naginder, the USB drive, and the scandal that could upend her life. The wind played with her hair, whispering secrets that she dared not speak aloud.
Back home, she tucked Arun into bed with a story, his eyes already drooping with sleep. As she kissed his forehead, the sweetness of his skin grounded her, reminding her of the stakes she was playing with. She retreated to her study, the walls lined with books and newspapers, a stark contrast to the serenity of the nursery. The desk was cluttered with her work, the files and papers a testament to the life she had built, a life that was now precariously balanced on a knife's edge.
Alok found her there, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the desk lamp. He looked at her with a gentle smile, the lines around his eyes deepening with concern. "You've been distant today," he said, his voice a soft rumble.
Revathy looked up, surprised. She had been so lost in thought, she hadn't heard him come in. She forced a smile, hoping it didn't look as strained as it felt. "Just a bit of work stress," she said, her voice light. "You know how it is."
Alok nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "You've been working too hard," he said, moving closer to her. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his thumb stroking the soft skin of her neck. "Let me take care of you tonight."
Revathy felt a pang of guilt. Here was her loving husband, concerned for her, and all she could think about was Naginder's touch. She stood up, her chair scbanging against the floor. "Thanks, but I'm okay," she said, her voice a little too bright. "I've just got some work to catch up on."
Alok's hand fell away, and she saw the hurt in his eyes. But he nodded, understanding that she needed her space. "Okay," he said, his voice tight. "But if you need anything..."
Revathy nodded, turning back to her work. She could feel his eyes on her as he left the room, and she was grateful for the privacy. For weeks, she threw herself into her work and her role as a wife and mother, pushing Naginder and the USB drive to the back of her mind. She took Arun to college, cooked meals, and attended PTA meetings, all with a smile plastered on her face. Her reports at work were meticulously researched, her dedication unwavering.
At night, as Alok held her close, she focused on the comfort of his embrace, his steady heartbeat lulling her into a restless sleep. In the quiet moments, when the house was asleep, she would touch the USB drive hidden in her drawer, feeling its cool metal against her fingertips. It was a constant reminder of the line she had crossed, and the power she now held.
But with time, the distance between her and Alok began to close. He noticed the shadows under her eyes, the way she had lost her appetite, and the tension that had made its home in her shoulders. With gentle coaxing, he drew her out of her shell, reminding her of the love and support she had within the four walls of their home. They began to share more than just a bed again, their conversations delving into the complexities of their days and their fears.
One evening, as Arun slept peacefully in his bed, Revathy and Alok sat in the living room, the TV playing a muted sitcom in the background. The air was thick with unspoken words, but it was the silence that spoke the loudest. Without warning, Alok reached over and took her hand in his, his thumb stroking the back of her palm in a familiar gesture that sent warmth through her body. She looked up, meeting his eyes, and for the first time in a long while, she saw only love and concern.
"Revathy," he said softly, "you've been distant lately. What's been bothering you?"
Her heart skipped a beat. How could she tell him about Naginder, about the USB drive, and the sordid deal she had made? But something in his voice, the tenderness of his touch, made her want to confess everything. She took a deep breath and met his gaze, her voice shaky. "It's work, Alok. Just work stress."
But the lie felt heavy on her tongue. It had been so long since they had talked like this, shared the quiet moments of understanding that had once been the foundation of their relationship. The weight of her secret was like a boulder, crushing her from the inside out. Without thinking, she leaned into him, letting his arms wrap around her.
"I'm just... tired," she murmured, her eyes slipping closed as she nestled against his chest. "The new assignment, it's... it's really important to me."
Alok's embrace tightened, his hand stroking her hair gently. "I know, love," he said, his voice filled with understanding. "But you can't carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Let me help you."
Revaty felt a warmth spre through her, a warmth that had been missing for too long. She leaned into him, savoring the comfort of his touch. "I know," she whispered, "but it's my fight."
Alk's grip tightened, his voice firm. "We're in this together, Revathy. You don't have to do it alone."
Her eyes snapped open, and she pulled away slightly, the USB drive feeling like a hot coal in her pocket. "But you don't understand," she began, but his gaze was steady, his love unwavering.
"I understand more than you think," he said, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You're a strong woman, Revathy. I know you can handle anything. But even the strongest need a break sometimes."
Her heart swelled with love for her husband, but the fear of losing everything she had worked for remained. She took a deep breath, the scent of Naginder's cologne still lingering on her skin. "Thank you, Alok," she murmured, forcing a smile. "You're right. I just need some rest."
He kissed her forehead and stood up, his hand lingering on her shoulder. "We'll tackle it tomorrow," he said, his eyes filled with confidence. "But for now, let's get some sleep."
Revathy nodded, her mind racing. Two weeks had passed since Naginder had handed her the USB drive, and the burden of the information it contained had grown heavier with each passing day. She had thrown herself into her work, burying herself in research and interviews, trying to find a way to make the story explosive enough to launch her career without incinerating her in the process. But the fear of Naginder's retribution if she didn't come through was a constant shadow over her, making her feel trapped and helpless.
Finally, after a sleepless night, she made the decision to call Krish. She knew he was her best shot at navigating the treacherous waters of politics. He was a seasoned player, a chess master in a world of checkers. His influence was vast, and his loyalty was unshakeable. If anyone could help her make sense of the encrypted documents and leaked emails, it was him.
Krish, aka Krishnakanth Swamy, was a nerd at heart, his thick-rimmed glasses and unkempt hair a testament to his love for the digital world. His YouTube channel, "Swamy Unleashed," was a hotbed of corruption exposés, a beacon of hope for those who believed in justice. His face was a familiar one in the dark corners of the internet, a modern-day Robin Hood fighting for the truth with nothing but a laptop and a camera.
Revathy had known Krish since college, where they had bonded over their shared love for investigative journalism. Despite their different career paths, they had remained close, often sharing tips and stories of their exploits. Now, she needed him more than ever. As she dialed his number, her heart pounded in her chest. Would he help her with this? Could she trust him with the USB drive's explosive content?
When Krish answered, she didn't waste any time. "Hey, nerd," she teased, trying to keep her voice light. "What's new in the world of watching paint dry?"
Krish chuckled. "You mean my YouTube channel? It's doing fine, thank you for asking," he said, his voice filled with good-natured sarcasm. "But I'm guessing you didn't call to discuss the riveting topic of drying paint."
Revathy took a deep breath, her hand shaking slightly. "I've got something," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Something big. And I think you're the only one who can help me with it."
Krish's tone grew serious. "What's up, Revathy?"
"Remember the time you made that bet with me about who could write the most boring article and still get it published?" she said, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice. "Well, I've got something that could put your paint-drying videos to shame."
Krish chuckled. "Oh, come on," he said. "Even you couldn't find something more tedious than that piece you did on the new zoning laws. That shit was snooze-worthy."
Revathy rolled her eyes, a fond smile playing on her lips. "Maybe so," she admitted. "But that was just to pay the bills."
Krish's laugh was warm and genuine. "Yeah, I know," he said. "But it's always fun to give you shit for it. So, what's this big scoop you've got?"
Revathy's smile grew wider, the memory of their college rivalry bringing a touch of nostalgia. "You'll see," she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's the kind of thing that could make or break a career."
Krish leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Sounds serious," he said, his tone turning more business-like. "But if it's too hot for you to handle, just say the word, and I'll take it off your hands."
Revathy raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "Don't you always enjoy it when I come to you with my ass in a sling?" she teased, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
Krish chuckled, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Always," he said, his voice dropping a notch. "But this time, it seems like your ass is in more than just a sling."
Revathy couldn't help but laugh, the tension in the air dissipating slightly. "You always know how to make me feel better," she said.
"Well, it's all part of the service," Krish quipped, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Now, let's get down to business. What's on that USB drive?"
Revathy took a deep breath, her hand hovering over the USB drive in her pocket. "It's...complicated," she hedged, her heart racing. "I think it's best if we discuss it in person."
"In person?" Krish echoed, his tone filled with curiosity. "Okay, sure. Where and when?"
Revathy paused for a minute, her eyes searching for the right words. "How about my place tonight?" she suggested, her voice low. "After Arun's asleep?"
Krish's eyebrows shot up. "You're serious," he said, his tone a mix of surprise and concern. "Okay, I'll come over. But be careful, Revathy. This kind of thing can get messy."
"Don't worry," she assured him, her voice calm despite the storm brewing inside her. "Alok won't be a problem. He'll be busy with work."
"Alright," Krish said, his voice tinged with skepticism. "But promise me you're not getting in over your head."
Revathy gave a nervous laugh. "Don't worry," she said, trying to sound more confident than she felt. "I've got it under control."
The rest of the evening was a blur of preparing dinner and putting Arun to bed. Her mind was racing with thoughts of Naginder and the USB drive, the potential for scandal and the fear of being caught. She had always been a careful person, but this was a new level of risk she was about to take.
When the clock struck 9 PM, she knew it was time. She quickly sent a text to Krish, confirming their meeting. The house was silent, save for the hum of the AC and the occasional creak of the floorboards. She slipped the USB into her pocket and headed to the living room, her heart pounding in her chest. Alok was yet to return from his work. the nanny who takes care of Arun also left.
The doorbell rang, and she rushed to answer it. Krish stood there, looking as suave as ever in his casual jeans and a crisp white shirt. His eyes widened when he saw her in the shorts and spaghetti top, but he said nothing, stepping inside the house with a knowing smile. "So, what's this big secret you've got?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity as he sat down on the couch.
Revathy handed him the USB drive, her heart racing. She watched as he plugged it into his laptop, his eyes widening as he scanned through the files. "Jesus, Revathy," he murmured, his eyes never leaving the screen. "This is... huge."
"I know," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "That's why I need your help."
Krish finally tore his gaze from the screen, looking at her with a mix of shock and admiration. "Revathy, this is... I've never seen anything like it. It's explosive." He took a deep breath, his eyes lingering on her bare legs. "But it's too big for me to handle alone. We'll need protection."
.
Revathy rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, Krish, I thought you were Superman," she teased, her voice light despite the gravity of the situation. "You know, the kind that can handle anything thrown at you."
Krish chuckled, his eyes not leaving the screen. "Trust me, Revathy," he said, his tone mock serious, "there are some things even Superman can't handle alone." His gaze flickered up to hers, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Remember the mess you got into during our internship days? And how I had to save you from those lecherous editors?"
Revathy blushed, recalling the time she had stumbled into a compromising situation, her innocence and inexperience making her an easy target. Krish had been her knight in shining armor, swooping in to save her from the clutches of those who would have taken advantage of her. "You never let me forget that, do you?" she said, her voice a mix of embarrassment and affection.
Krish looked up from the laptop, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Why should I?" he asked, leaning back into the couch. "It's one of my favorite memories." His gaze lingered on her, taking in the way the red sari clung to her body, the fabric whispering secrets of the woman beneath. "Besides, it's not every day I get to see you dressed like this. It's quite...distracting."
Revathy rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. "You're such a flirt, Krish," she said, her voice light and teasing. "But we have serious work to do here."
Krish leaned in closer, his eyes still glued to the screen. "I know," he said, his voice dropping to a low growl, "but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun, does it?" He looked up at her, his gaze locking onto hers. "After all, we're in this together now."
Revathy felt a jolt of electricity run through her at his words. It was true, they were in this together, but she hadn't anticipated the way her body would respond to his proximity. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "We should focus on the story," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Krish leaned back, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement. "Alright, the story," he said, his tone melodramatically disappointed. "But remember, I'm here for you, Revathy. Whatever happens."
Her cheeks flushed at his words, but she couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. She nodded, trying to ignore the way her pulse had sped up. "Thank you, Krish. Now, let's get down to business."
Krish's eyes flicked back to the screen, his tone turning serious. "We need to be careful with this," he said, his fingers typing rapidly as he copied the files. "If we play our cards right, this could be the biggest story of our careers.
The files loaded slowly, each one a potential nail in the coffin of her moral compass. The politician's dirty laundry was laid out before her—bribery, corruption, and scandal. Her eyes widened as she scanned the documents, her mind racing with the implications of what she held. This was more than just a scoop; it was a golden ticket to the upper echelons of the corporate world, the kind of story that could make or break careers.
Revathy felt a smug smile tug at the corners of her lips. She had always been a savvy player, and now she had the upper hand. The thought of Naginder's sweaty, eager face only served to fuel her ambition. This was the moment she had been waiting for, the opportunity to prove her worth, to show that she wasn't just a pretty face. She had the power to bring dow men who had been untouchable for so long. she wanted to break this story as an independent journalist and thus give a boost to her passion journalism once more which seems to go down the spiral. frankly speaking she was bored with regular desk job in insurance sector. she miss the thrill of journalism , the fire in the belly she used to have and more importantly want to go back to the power corridor of delhi.
The next morning, she served Alok and Arun breakfast with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. They talked about the storm the night before, the mundane conversation a stark contrast to the tempest raging in her thoughts. She watched her son, his innocent eyes looking up at her with love and trust, and felt a pang of guilt. How could she have let Naginder touch her? How could she have enjoyed it?
Alok looked at her with concern. "Is everything alright?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine care. She forced a laugh, the sound hollow to her own ears. "Of course, it's just the storm," she replied, pushing her food around the plate. "It kept me up all night."
Arun tugged at her shirt, his little eyes wide with curiosity. "Can we go to the park today, Ma?"
Revathy's heart squeezed at the innocence of his question. The park was their usual weekend haunt, a place where she could push aside the shadows of her past and revel in the simple joys of motherhood. "Of course, we can," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "After I drop you at college, I'll come home and change, and then we'll go."
As she drove Arun to college, her thoughts returned to the USB drive. The information it contained was explosive, and she knew that once she released it to the media, there would be no going back. But the thrill of the potential scoop was overshadowed by the guilt that gnawed at her. How could she have let Naginder manipulate her like that? She had been so hungry for success, so desperate to prove herself, that she had compromised her dignity.
Once she dropped Arun off, she rushed back home, eager to get ready for the day ahead. She put on her favorite red sari, the one that made her feel strong and powerful. The fabric felt like a shield against the shadows of the night before. She tied her hair into a neat bun and applied her makeup with practiced strokes, each movement a deliberate effort to erase the memory of Naginder's hands on her body.
As she worked, she tried to focus on the mundane tasks of the day, planning dinner and running errands. She even managed to write a few emails for work, her mind buzzing with the details of the story she hadn't yet written. But with every keystroke, the image of Naginder's leering face popped into her mind, his hand reaching for her. She gritted her teeth and forced herself to focus on the screen, pushing the USB drive and its dark contents to the back of her mind.
Arun's laughter filled the house when he returned from college, and she felt a pang of relief. The innocence of her son's joy was a balm to her soul, reminding her of the life she had built, the life she had to protect. They played board games, his tiny hands eager to win, and she felt a warmth spread through her chest, pushing the shadows away.
In the kitchen, she chopped vegetables with a fervor, the rhythmic motion of the knife cleansing her mind. She focused on the aroma of the spices, the sizzle of the oil, and the comforting sounds of their favorite Bollywood songs playing in the background. It was a dance of domesticity that she had perfected over the years, a dance that had become a shield against the chaos of the outside world.
Revathy took Arun to the park, his laughter echoing through the quiet afternoon air. She pushed him on the swing, watching his legs kick up into the sky, feeling the tension in her shoulders begin to ease. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to forget about Naginder, the USB drive, and the scandal that could upend her life. The wind played with her hair, whispering secrets that she dared not speak aloud.
Back home, she tucked Arun into bed with a story, his eyes already drooping with sleep. As she kissed his forehead, the sweetness of his skin grounded her, reminding her of the stakes she was playing with. She retreated to her study, the walls lined with books and newspapers, a stark contrast to the serenity of the nursery. The desk was cluttered with her work, the files and papers a testament to the life she had built, a life that was now precariously balanced on a knife's edge.
Alok found her there, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the desk lamp. He looked at her with a gentle smile, the lines around his eyes deepening with concern. "You've been distant today," he said, his voice a soft rumble.
Revathy looked up, surprised. She had been so lost in thought, she hadn't heard him come in. She forced a smile, hoping it didn't look as strained as it felt. "Just a bit of work stress," she said, her voice light. "You know how it is."
Alok nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "You've been working too hard," he said, moving closer to her. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his thumb stroking the soft skin of her neck. "Let me take care of you tonight."
Revathy felt a pang of guilt. Here was her loving husband, concerned for her, and all she could think about was Naginder's touch. She stood up, her chair scbanging against the floor. "Thanks, but I'm okay," she said, her voice a little too bright. "I've just got some work to catch up on."
Alok's hand fell away, and she saw the hurt in his eyes. But he nodded, understanding that she needed her space. "Okay," he said, his voice tight. "But if you need anything..."
Revathy nodded, turning back to her work. She could feel his eyes on her as he left the room, and she was grateful for the privacy. For weeks, she threw herself into her work and her role as a wife and mother, pushing Naginder and the USB drive to the back of her mind. She took Arun to college, cooked meals, and attended PTA meetings, all with a smile plastered on her face. Her reports at work were meticulously researched, her dedication unwavering.
At night, as Alok held her close, she focused on the comfort of his embrace, his steady heartbeat lulling her into a restless sleep. In the quiet moments, when the house was asleep, she would touch the USB drive hidden in her drawer, feeling its cool metal against her fingertips. It was a constant reminder of the line she had crossed, and the power she now held.
But with time, the distance between her and Alok began to close. He noticed the shadows under her eyes, the way she had lost her appetite, and the tension that had made its home in her shoulders. With gentle coaxing, he drew her out of her shell, reminding her of the love and support she had within the four walls of their home. They began to share more than just a bed again, their conversations delving into the complexities of their days and their fears.
One evening, as Arun slept peacefully in his bed, Revathy and Alok sat in the living room, the TV playing a muted sitcom in the background. The air was thick with unspoken words, but it was the silence that spoke the loudest. Without warning, Alok reached over and took her hand in his, his thumb stroking the back of her palm in a familiar gesture that sent warmth through her body. She looked up, meeting his eyes, and for the first time in a long while, she saw only love and concern.
"Revathy," he said softly, "you've been distant lately. What's been bothering you?"
Her heart skipped a beat. How could she tell him about Naginder, about the USB drive, and the sordid deal she had made? But something in his voice, the tenderness of his touch, made her want to confess everything. She took a deep breath and met his gaze, her voice shaky. "It's work, Alok. Just work stress."
But the lie felt heavy on her tongue. It had been so long since they had talked like this, shared the quiet moments of understanding that had once been the foundation of their relationship. The weight of her secret was like a boulder, crushing her from the inside out. Without thinking, she leaned into him, letting his arms wrap around her.
"I'm just... tired," she murmured, her eyes slipping closed as she nestled against his chest. "The new assignment, it's... it's really important to me."
Alok's embrace tightened, his hand stroking her hair gently. "I know, love," he said, his voice filled with understanding. "But you can't carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Let me help you."
Revaty felt a warmth spre through her, a warmth that had been missing for too long. She leaned into him, savoring the comfort of his touch. "I know," she whispered, "but it's my fight."
Alk's grip tightened, his voice firm. "We're in this together, Revathy. You don't have to do it alone."
Her eyes snapped open, and she pulled away slightly, the USB drive feeling like a hot coal in her pocket. "But you don't understand," she began, but his gaze was steady, his love unwavering.
"I understand more than you think," he said, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You're a strong woman, Revathy. I know you can handle anything. But even the strongest need a break sometimes."
Her heart swelled with love for her husband, but the fear of losing everything she had worked for remained. She took a deep breath, the scent of Naginder's cologne still lingering on her skin. "Thank you, Alok," she murmured, forcing a smile. "You're right. I just need some rest."
He kissed her forehead and stood up, his hand lingering on her shoulder. "We'll tackle it tomorrow," he said, his eyes filled with confidence. "But for now, let's get some sleep."
Revathy nodded, her mind racing. Two weeks had passed since Naginder had handed her the USB drive, and the burden of the information it contained had grown heavier with each passing day. She had thrown herself into her work, burying herself in research and interviews, trying to find a way to make the story explosive enough to launch her career without incinerating her in the process. But the fear of Naginder's retribution if she didn't come through was a constant shadow over her, making her feel trapped and helpless.
Finally, after a sleepless night, she made the decision to call Krish. She knew he was her best shot at navigating the treacherous waters of politics. He was a seasoned player, a chess master in a world of checkers. His influence was vast, and his loyalty was unshakeable. If anyone could help her make sense of the encrypted documents and leaked emails, it was him.
Krish, aka Krishnakanth Swamy, was a nerd at heart, his thick-rimmed glasses and unkempt hair a testament to his love for the digital world. His YouTube channel, "Swamy Unleashed," was a hotbed of corruption exposés, a beacon of hope for those who believed in justice. His face was a familiar one in the dark corners of the internet, a modern-day Robin Hood fighting for the truth with nothing but a laptop and a camera.
Revathy had known Krish since college, where they had bonded over their shared love for investigative journalism. Despite their different career paths, they had remained close, often sharing tips and stories of their exploits. Now, she needed him more than ever. As she dialed his number, her heart pounded in her chest. Would he help her with this? Could she trust him with the USB drive's explosive content?
When Krish answered, she didn't waste any time. "Hey, nerd," she teased, trying to keep her voice light. "What's new in the world of watching paint dry?"
Krish chuckled. "You mean my YouTube channel? It's doing fine, thank you for asking," he said, his voice filled with good-natured sarcasm. "But I'm guessing you didn't call to discuss the riveting topic of drying paint."
Revathy took a deep breath, her hand shaking slightly. "I've got something," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Something big. And I think you're the only one who can help me with it."
Krish's tone grew serious. "What's up, Revathy?"
"Remember the time you made that bet with me about who could write the most boring article and still get it published?" she said, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice. "Well, I've got something that could put your paint-drying videos to shame."
Krish chuckled. "Oh, come on," he said. "Even you couldn't find something more tedious than that piece you did on the new zoning laws. That shit was snooze-worthy."
Revathy rolled her eyes, a fond smile playing on her lips. "Maybe so," she admitted. "But that was just to pay the bills."
Krish's laugh was warm and genuine. "Yeah, I know," he said. "But it's always fun to give you shit for it. So, what's this big scoop you've got?"
Revathy's smile grew wider, the memory of their college rivalry bringing a touch of nostalgia. "You'll see," she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's the kind of thing that could make or break a career."
Krish leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Sounds serious," he said, his tone turning more business-like. "But if it's too hot for you to handle, just say the word, and I'll take it off your hands."
Revathy raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "Don't you always enjoy it when I come to you with my ass in a sling?" she teased, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
Krish chuckled, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Always," he said, his voice dropping a notch. "But this time, it seems like your ass is in more than just a sling."
Revathy couldn't help but laugh, the tension in the air dissipating slightly. "You always know how to make me feel better," she said.
"Well, it's all part of the service," Krish quipped, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Now, let's get down to business. What's on that USB drive?"
Revathy took a deep breath, her hand hovering over the USB drive in her pocket. "It's...complicated," she hedged, her heart racing. "I think it's best if we discuss it in person."
"In person?" Krish echoed, his tone filled with curiosity. "Okay, sure. Where and when?"
Revathy paused for a minute, her eyes searching for the right words. "How about my place tonight?" she suggested, her voice low. "After Arun's asleep?"
Krish's eyebrows shot up. "You're serious," he said, his tone a mix of surprise and concern. "Okay, I'll come over. But be careful, Revathy. This kind of thing can get messy."
"Don't worry," she assured him, her voice calm despite the storm brewing inside her. "Alok won't be a problem. He'll be busy with work."
"Alright," Krish said, his voice tinged with skepticism. "But promise me you're not getting in over your head."
Revathy gave a nervous laugh. "Don't worry," she said, trying to sound more confident than she felt. "I've got it under control."
The rest of the evening was a blur of preparing dinner and putting Arun to bed. Her mind was racing with thoughts of Naginder and the USB drive, the potential for scandal and the fear of being caught. She had always been a careful person, but this was a new level of risk she was about to take.
When the clock struck 9 PM, she knew it was time. She quickly sent a text to Krish, confirming their meeting. The house was silent, save for the hum of the AC and the occasional creak of the floorboards. She slipped the USB into her pocket and headed to the living room, her heart pounding in her chest. Alok was yet to return from his work. the nanny who takes care of Arun also left.
The doorbell rang, and she rushed to answer it. Krish stood there, looking as suave as ever in his casual jeans and a crisp white shirt. His eyes widened when he saw her in the shorts and spaghetti top, but he said nothing, stepping inside the house with a knowing smile. "So, what's this big secret you've got?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity as he sat down on the couch.
Revathy handed him the USB drive, her heart racing. She watched as he plugged it into his laptop, his eyes widening as he scanned through the files. "Jesus, Revathy," he murmured, his eyes never leaving the screen. "This is... huge."
"I know," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "That's why I need your help."
Krish finally tore his gaze from the screen, looking at her with a mix of shock and admiration. "Revathy, this is... I've never seen anything like it. It's explosive." He took a deep breath, his eyes lingering on her bare legs. "But it's too big for me to handle alone. We'll need protection."
.
Revathy rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, Krish, I thought you were Superman," she teased, her voice light despite the gravity of the situation. "You know, the kind that can handle anything thrown at you."
Krish chuckled, his eyes not leaving the screen. "Trust me, Revathy," he said, his tone mock serious, "there are some things even Superman can't handle alone." His gaze flickered up to hers, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Remember the mess you got into during our internship days? And how I had to save you from those lecherous editors?"
Revathy blushed, recalling the time she had stumbled into a compromising situation, her innocence and inexperience making her an easy target. Krish had been her knight in shining armor, swooping in to save her from the clutches of those who would have taken advantage of her. "You never let me forget that, do you?" she said, her voice a mix of embarrassment and affection.
Krish looked up from the laptop, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Why should I?" he asked, leaning back into the couch. "It's one of my favorite memories." His gaze lingered on her, taking in the way the red sari clung to her body, the fabric whispering secrets of the woman beneath. "Besides, it's not every day I get to see you dressed like this. It's quite...distracting."
Revathy rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. "You're such a flirt, Krish," she said, her voice light and teasing. "But we have serious work to do here."
Krish leaned in closer, his eyes still glued to the screen. "I know," he said, his voice dropping to a low growl, "but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun, does it?" He looked up at her, his gaze locking onto hers. "After all, we're in this together now."
Revathy felt a jolt of electricity run through her at his words. It was true, they were in this together, but she hadn't anticipated the way her body would respond to his proximity. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "We should focus on the story," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Krish leaned back, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement. "Alright, the story," he said, his tone melodramatically disappointed. "But remember, I'm here for you, Revathy. Whatever happens."
Her cheeks flushed at his words, but she couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. She nodded, trying to ignore the way her pulse had sped up. "Thank you, Krish. Now, let's get down to business."
Krish's eyes flicked back to the screen, his tone turning serious. "We need to be careful with this," he said, his fingers typing rapidly as he copied the files. "If we play our cards right, this could be the biggest story of our careers.