Madhu's POV
I was walking toward my HOD's
office with my resignation letter clutched in my hand—
a thin envelope carrying the weight of everything I
was about to leave behind.
A week had passed since Vasu and I confessed our love.
Only seven days—yet it felt
like an entire lifetime had shifted.
We barely saw each other. His schedule was brutal—continuous duty, emergency calls slicing through the night,
exhaustion written into every breath he took. Some days, he barely slept. Some
nights, he was summoned before dawn even kissed the sky.
And yet… we found each other.
In stolen mornings.
In hurried evenings.
Sometimes he picked me up during a short break,
sometimes—when I was on night duty—he took the metro all the way to my hospital just to walk me home.
We would grab dinner, wander aimlessly through quiet streets, fingers brushing,
hearts loud. No grand gestures. Just presence.
Enough to keep us alive.
I was so lost in those thoughts that I almost forgot
why I had come here in the first place.
By the time I reached my HOD's
room, my hand moved on instinct. I knocked once and pushed the door open.
My eyes fell on Ms. Maggie, buried beneath a mountain
of files, her glasses perched low on her nose.
"Do you need a hand?" I asked
softly.
She looked up—and visibly
relaxed.
"Definitely," she sighed. "But before that… I need coffee."
I smiled.
Moments later, I placed the cup on her desk.
"Your black coffee. Extra sugar."
She glanced at it and grinned.
"Take a seat, girl."
I sat across from her as she took a sip and sighed
contentedly.
"Thanks for the coffee, sweetheart."
My heart skipped.
Sweetheart.
That was what Vasu called me.
Heat rushed to my cheeks before I could stop it.
Maggie narrowed her eyes.
"Why are you blushing? Your cheeks look like ripe
tomatoes."
I cleared my throat, lifting my head.
"Okay—first things first," I said quickly. "Do you remember the job
you recommended at the NYPD?"
She nodded.
"I got selected," I said,
sliding the envelope toward her. "They want me to join
next week."
She froze for half a second, then smiled warmly.
"So this is it," she said
softly. "Tomorrow is your last day?"
I nodded.
"I'll miss you, Maggie," I admitted. "You've
been so kind to me since the day I joined. Thank you—for
everything."
She stood up and walked around the desk. I rose too,
and she pulled me into a tight hug.
"I am so proud of you," she
whispered, her hand rubbing my back.
When we pulled apart, she gestured for me to sit
again.
I glanced at the clock.
"Uh… don't you think I should get going?"
"No," she said calmly. "I don't think so, sweetheart."
There it was again.
My heart betrayed me.
My cheeks burned.
She perched on the edge of the table, arms crossed,
one eyebrow raised.
"So," she said. "What's going on with you?"
I frowned. "What are you
talking about?"
She scoffed.
"Madhu. I can see it. The glow. The blushing. You
smile more. You rush home faster. So spill it—"
She stood up dramatically.
"—or you're stuck here with
me. Or worse, I'll call Talia."
My eyes widened in horror.
Talia.
She would narrate my love story with sound effects.
"No—no—okay!" I jumped up, grabbing Maggie's arm. "I'll tell
you!"
She smirked.
"Speak."
I inhaled deeply.
"I'm in love," I said. "Finally."
Maggie's face softened
instantly as she rolled back into her chair.
"Who is he?"
I hesitated—then smiled.
"You know him very well," I
said quietly. "Vasu. My brother's partner. My neighbor."
Her chair jerked forward.
"What?" she exclaimed. "Vasu? Vasudevan Prabakaran—the detective?"
I nodded, unable to hide my blush.
I told her everything—how it
began, how it grew, how it terrified me, how it healed me.
She listened without interrupting.
When I finished, she smiled gently.
"I'm really happy for you," she said. "You deserve this. And this job… I'm glad you found someone who could help
put you back together."
"I did," I whispered, closing
my eyes. Relief washed over me like a tide.
After a while, I left her office, my heart lighter
than it had been in years.
As I walked down the corridor, my phone buzzed.
A message from Vasu.
Vasu: Hey. I'm done for the
day. If your shift's over, shall we go home together?
I smiled.
Me: Love to. I'm almost
done. I'll meet you in the parking lot.
Vasu: No.I'm waiting at the main entrance.
I can't wait to have you in my arms. Come soon.
My chest tightened.
Me: Me too.
Madhu's POV
I grabbed my bag and began stuffing my things into it,
movements rushed, careless—my mind already far from the room.
I was halfway to the door when it suddenly swung open.
Talia.
"Are you leaving?" she asked, arms crossed.
I nodded.
Her eyebrows shot up.
"Babe… after your confession with Vasu, we haven't
spent any time together."
She was right.
My chest tightened.
"Sorry, darling," I said softly. "I know I've been
occupied lately. But I promise—tomorrow is girls' day."
I walked toward her and tapped her shoulder.
Her pout instantly turned dangerous.
"Really?" she said. "Then it's fine. But if Vasu tries
to come between us tomorrow, I will kick his ass, honey."
I laughed, shaking my head.
"That's your job—convince him to leave me alone with
you," I teased. "I'll even submit the application on your behalf."
She snorted.
"Deal."
"Bye," I said, blowing her a kiss. "See you at home."
And then I was gone.
The elevator ride felt endless.
My heart pounded with every passing floor.
When the doors finally slid open at the ground level,
I walked straight toward the main entrance.
That's when I saw him.
Standing a few meters away.
Waiting.
The moment my eyes landed on Vasu, a shiver ran down
my spine—slow, electric, undeniable.
"Vasu," I called softly.
He turned.
A smile spread across his face—wide, unguarded,
devastating.
He opened his arms.
Without thinking, without slowing down, I lifted my
bag and ran toward him, laughter breaking free as my feet barely touched the
ground.
He caught me easily, scooping me into his arms like I
weighed nothing, holding me tight—so tight.
"Hey," he murmured against my hair.
His arms wrapped securely around my waist, his grip
tightening as if the world might try to take me away.
Vasu's POV
The past week had nearly broken me.
Sleepless nights blurred into endless shifts. I barely
went home—sometimes not at all. Calls dragged me out of half-dreams in the dead
of night. Coffee replaced rest. Adrenaline replaced peace.
And the worst part?
I barely saw Madhu.
The guilt gnawed at me constantly. But she—she handled
it with a grace that left me humbled. She never complained. Never demanded.
Instead, she stepped in quietly, taking care of my mother as if she had always
belonged there.
After our confession… after the truth about Deva came
out… something changed.
She grew closer to Amma. Protective. Gentle. Fierce in
her own way.
It made me fall harder.
When my shift ended early that evening, a single
thought anchored me—
Tonight is hers.
I headed straight to the sergeant's office.
Karan's office.
I knocked once and pushed the door open.
"Do you have mint, Sergeant?" I asked casually.
He glanced up and nodded.
I walked to his desk and slid a pen drive toward him.
"My case details," I said. "Everything I've been
working on."
I turned to leave.
"Detective," Karan said calmly.
"Do you have mint?"
I groaned and half-yelled, "What now?"
He leaned forward, palms flat on the desk.
"It's about Madhu."
That stopped me cold.
I walked back, slow. Alert.
"What is it?" I asked, brows knitting together.
He exhaled deeply.
"Do you remember when I told you I had something
important to tell you about my sister?"
I nodded.
"Madhu…" His voice dropped. "She's adopted. We adopted
her when she was five. In India."
The room tilted.
My breath punched out of me as I took a step back.
"What?" I whispered.
My heartbeat roared in my ears.
"She doesn't know," I said immediately, panic flaring.
"If she did—this would be the first thing she'd tell me."
Karan leaned back, rubbing his temples.
"She doesn't know. And she must never hear it from
anyone else."
I stared at him.
"Then why the hell are you telling me?"
Silence.
Then—
"Because I need to know your answer."
My jaw clenched.
"Answer to what?"
"Are you willing to accept her as she is?" he asked
quietly. "No blood. No history. No answers."
I laughed.
It spilled out of me—low, sharp, almost unhinged.
Karan slammed his hand on the table.
"Stop laughing and answer me, you dumbass!"
I turned back, fury flashing through me.
I slammed my fist onto his desk.
"She is mine."
The word echoed.
"She is my world. No one—no one—has the right to take
her away from me. If anyone tries, they go through me first."
I leaned closer, voice lethal.
"Even you, Sergeant. Is that clear?"
Karan stared at me.
Then—
He chuckled.
I froze near the door.
"I'm glad," he said softly. "Now I don't have to worry
about my sister anymore."
Relief loosened something in my chest.
"You may leave, Detective," he added. "And take
tomorrow off. You've had a hell of a week."
I turned back once.
He was smiling.
I rolled my eyes, muttered something under my breath,
and slammed the door shut.
I grabbed my things, took the metro, and reached
Madhu's hospital in twenty minutes flat.
Waiting at the main entrance, I texted her.
Seconds stretched into minutes.
Then—
"Vasu!"
I turned.
And there she was.
The world narrowed instantly.
I opened my arms.
She ran toward me, and I caught her easily, lifting
her into my arms.
"Hey, sweetheart," I murmured into her hair. "How was
your day?"
She pulled back slightly, studying me.
"You look tired," she said softly. "You should've gone
home instead of coming here."
I smiled and pulled her close again.
"I'm fine," I whispered. "Right now."
Our eyes locked.
Then—
A loud throat cleared.
Madhu jumped out of my arms.
Maggie.
Her HOD.
Introductions were made. Polite conversation followed.
Maggie excused herself with a knowing smile.
The moment she left, I laced my fingers with Madhu's.
"Shall we?" I asked.
She nodded.
"Where's your car?"
"No car," I said. "Metro."
Her smile widened.
"Can I ask you something?"
I turned toward her.
"Dinner," she said softly. "Somewhere away. Just us."
I grinned.
"Read my mind, sweetheart."
I pulled her in and kissed her cheek.
As we walked toward the station, she spoke again.
"Tomorrow Talia and I have movie night… I won't be
home for physio."
I stopped walking.
"Tomorrow is my day off," I said slowly.
She turned, eyes wide.
"Cancel it. Tomorrow is our day. Please."
I exhaled, defeated—and smiling.
"Alright," she said. "I'll sort it out."
I squeezed her hand tighter.
Vasu's POV
We boarded the train and slid into the seats beside
each other.
The moment we settled, Madhu threaded her arm through
mine, resting her head on my shoulder like the world couldn't reach her here.
Her voice was soft as she told me everything—about the hospital, Maggie, the
resignation, the future she was quietly stepping into.
Then she laughed.
"And Talia threatened you," she added casually.
I turned my head slowly.
"She threatened me?"
Madhu nodded, smiling, her chin resting on my
shoulder.
"So… how are you planning to handle her, Mr.
Detective?" she asked, smirking.
I scoffed.
"I'll tell her her application is under review.
Pending approval. Indefinitely."
She laughed and leaned further into me.
Instinctively, I wrapped my arm around her and pulled
her close, resting my chin on her head. My fingers slid through her hair.
"How do you feel right now?" I asked quietly.
She pressed herself into my chest.
"Safe," she whispered. "From everything out there."
The word punched straight through me.
I tightened my hold on her, fear clawing at my ribs.
If she ever learns the truth…
"I will never let you go," I murmured against her
hair.
Her lips curved faintly.
The train rattled on.
Then—
Raised voices.
At first, I ignored it. City noise. Commuter chaos.
But the argument grew louder. Sharper. Fear crept into
the sound.
I stiffened and rose from my seat.
"Vasu—where are you going?" Madhu asked, gripping my
hand.
"Nothing," I said calmly, slipping free. "Stay here,
sweetheart."
I moved toward the next compartment.
The moment I pushed the door open—
Chaos.
A woman stood trembling, tears streaking her face.
"That man—he tried to hurt me," she sobbed. "I slapped
him."
I stepped between them.
"It's alright, ma'am. Please step aside."
I turned to the man.
"Turn around. Hands up. Where I can see them."
He scoffed—but obeyed.
As I frisked him, he moved.
Fast.
Too fast.
He swung for my ribs—I dodged. Another punch aimed at
my stomach—I twisted away, grabbed his arm, wrenched it behind his back, and
slammed him into a steel pole.
He hissed and slipped free.
Punches flew.
I dodged most—most.
One connected.
White exploded behind my eyes.
I lost my footing and crashed backward, my head
striking metal. Pain burst across my forehead, hot and blinding.
Voices blurred. Panic rippled through the compartment.
Then—
"VASU!"
Madhu's scream cut through everything.
I forced my eyes open.
She was standing a few feet away—fear carved into her
face.
"Madhu!" I yelled. "Stay there—don't come closer!"
Her eyes widened.
"Watch out!"
I followed her gaze.
The man was standing again.
With a gun.
Time slowed.
My heart dropped into my stomach.
I pushed myself upright, blood warm against my skin,
and raised my hands slowly.
"Hey… listen," I said evenly. "There are civilians
here. One wrong move, someone dies. We can talk."
He laughed and aimed the gun directly at me.
I calculated. One step. One chance.
I moved—
And Madhu ran in front of me.
"No!" I shouted.
She screamed, "Leave him alone!"
A shockwave tore through the train.
The floor shook.
I was thrown backward, slamming hard into the wall.
Dazed, I dragged myself up—
And froze.
Madhu stood in the center of the compartment.
Still.
Unmoving.
Her eyes—
They were glowing.
Not reflected light.
Golden. Alive.
Both her palms shimmered with a violent violet energy,
crackling through the air like lightning held in flesh.
The man dropped the gun.
He was shaking.
Terrified.
I lunged forward, kicking the weapon away, twisting
his arm, snapping cuffs around his wrists, and slamming him against the steel
rod.
"Don't move," I growled.
One punch.
He went limp.
Silence crashed down.
I turned back to Madhu—
And my blood ran cold.
Because whatever had just awakened inside her…
Nothing in my training had prepared me for it.
And somewhere deep in my chest, fear whispered—
Vasu's POV
Madhu was still standing in the middle of the train.
Exactly where she had been moments ago.
Too still.
Too unnatural.
The air around her felt wrong—thick, charged, as if
the train itself was holding its breath. My pulse thudded violently as I took a
step toward her. Fear curled in my stomach, cold and sharp, but I moved anyway.
Then a voice cut through the chaos.
"Only you can control her, Vasu. Bring her back. Now."
I jerked my head to the left.
A woman stood there—brown hair falling loose around
her shoulders, eyes glowing faintly silver, no older than twenty-five. She
looked terrified… but not surprised.
I didn't ask who she was.
I went straight to Madhu.
I placed both hands on her shoulders, heat buzzing
beneath my palms like living electricity.
"Sweetheart," I begged, my voice breaking. "I don't
know what's happening to you—but please… come back to me."
Her eyes met mine.
They weren't brown anymore.
They were molten gold—ancient, furious, inhuman.
"He tried to hurt you," she said, her voice layered,
echoing as if something else spoke through her.
"I will not let anyone touch what is mine."
She screamed.
The scream wasn't sound.
It was power.
An invisible force exploded outward, slamming bodies
into walls, rattling steel, ripping screams from passengers. I barely managed
to grab a steel rod before I was thrown sideways.
The train groaned like it might tear apart.
I could hear it now—pure rage, ancient and possessive.
I fought my way back to her and grabbed her arms, my
skin burning where I touched her.
"Sweetheart!" I yelled over the chaos. "Look at me!
I'm fine—I'm right here! Stop this. Whatever you're doing—please—come back to
me!"
For a heartbeat, nothing happened.
Then—
The light flickered.
Her hands stopped glowing.
The golden fire drained from her eyes.
Brown returned.
I sagged with relief.
Madhu blinked, tears spilling instantly as she looked
at me.
"You're bleeding," she whispered, her voice shaking.
"What happened?"
She stared at me for a second longer—
Then her knees buckled.
"Madhu!"
I dropped to my knees and caught her, pulling her limp
body into my arms.
"Open your eyes," I pleaded. "Please. Don't leave me.
Open your eyes, sweetheart."
Her skin was freezing.
Not cold—death-cold.
The woman rushed forward and grabbed Madhu's wrist,
pressing two fingers to her pulse.
"We have to get both of you out of here," she said
urgently. "Now. Before the hunters arrive."
My head snapped up.
"Who the hell are you?" I shouted. "What's happening
to her—explain it now!"
She swallowed hard.
"It's her awakening."
The word hit me like a bullet.
Before I could respond, she lifted her hand.
Symbols burned into the air around her fingers—runes,
ancient, shifting. Violet light coiled and condensed until—
An arrow formed.
Not metal.
Pure magic.
My breath caught.
She rose onto her toes, chanting under her breath in a
language that scraped against reality itself. The arrow lifted, hovering,
vibrating with lethal intent.
Men in black suits emerged from the far end of the
compartment.
The arrow shot forward.
It didn't pierce them.
It unmade them.
They turned to ash, scattered like dust across the
floor.
My blood ran cold.
"They've found her," the woman yelled. "Get her out of
here—now!"
I gently laid Madhu down and stood, fury igniting
through the fear.
"You just murdered four men," I said harshly. "You
don't give orders. You're under arrest."
I reached for her.
She stepped back, unafraid.
"Arrest me later," she said sharply. "If we don't
leave now, more will come."
A man in his early forties appeared beside her, eyes
glowing faintly amber.
"The covens felt her awakening," he said grimly. "And
so did the hunters."
The woman grabbed my arm.
"Please. If you love her—move."
I hesitated only a second.
Then I lifted Madhu into my arms and ran.
The train screeched to a halt. We burst onto the
platform.
The man murmured a spell.
The air around us shattered into golden dust.
A rift opened—light folding in on itself.
"Where are you taking us?" I shouted.
"The Institute," the woman replied.
"No," I snapped. "I don't trust witches who turn
people into dust. I'm taking her home."
Madhu moaned softly.
"Vasu…" she whispered weakly. "I'm cold."
Her body trembled violently as she clutched my collar.
I crushed her against my chest.
"It's okay," I whispered desperately. "I'm here. I'm
taking you to the hospital."
The man stepped in front of me.
"She won't survive a hospital," he said quietly. "Her
magic is unstable. If it fully breaks loose—she'll become chaos itself."
"He's right," the woman added.
I was about to argue—
But Madhu shook harder.
"Vasu… please," she begged. "Take me home."
I looked at them.
Then back at her.
"Home," I said firmly. "We're going home."
They exchanged a look.
Then nodded.
We stepped into the golden light.
The world folded.
And in the blink of an eye—
We were standing in front of my house.
The magic vanished.
I stared at my doorstep, heart pounding.
"What the hell…" I whispered.
Because the woman I loved wasn't just awakening.
She was something ancient.
Something powerful.