3. The Odd Behavior
A New Morning... Somewhere Else...
The early light filtered through the blinds as the middle-aged man sat quietly in a luxurious chair, flipping the ID card in his hands. His brows furrowed, voice low yet heavy with emotion.
Unknown
Sitara Verma… daughter of Vijay Verma?
(He paused, lips tightening into a line.)
Unknown
Vijay… you never told me you had a daughter.
(He clenched the card tightly.)
Unknown
Twenty-four years… and I never knew of her existence. You already owe me many things. Now this adds to the list.
(He stood up, determination gleaming in his eyes.)
Unknown
But before anything… I must return this ID card to its owner.
The morning sun shone softly through the curtains as Sitara stirred from her sleep. Her head pounded slightly, a dull ache spreading across her temples.
Note:
Sitara always gets headaches after crying. She hates it. That’s why she avoids crying at all costs. But last night, she couldn’t hold back. Her parents’ words had pierced her heart like never before...
Dragging herself from bed, she got dressed, tied her hair loosely, and quietly gathered her things. As she tiptoed down the stairs, she noticed her parents already seated at the dining table. She didn’t want another argument, so she moved swiftly toward the door.
Sunita Verma (FL'S MOTHER)
(suddenly, gently)
Sitara… why are you leaving without having breakfast, beta?
Sitara paused, surprised. She turned around slowly. Her mother’s face was calm, eyes filled with concern. Her father was already looking at her with a soft expression.
Vijay Verma (FL'S FATHER)
(warmly)
Sitara, come sit down. It’s not good to leave home without eating.
Without a word, Sitara walked toward the table and sat on the left side of her father. Her mother served her breakfast lovingly, then sat beside her husband on the other side. The air was suddenly... peaceful.
Sunita Verma (FL'S MOTHER)
(softly, almost trembling)
Sitara... whatever I said last night... please try to understand me. I’m your mother. I worry about you. When you're late, I panic... and that fear turns into anger. We do this for your own good.
Vijay Verma (FL'S FATHER)
(nodding)
She’s right, Sitara. We were scared. And... maybe we went too far. But it’s because we love you.
Sitara stared down at her plate. Their voices were tender now. So different from last night. She felt guilty for doubting their intentions—even if the words had hurt deeply.
Sitara Verma (FL)
(quietly)
No, Mumma… I don’t misunderstand you. I was just late because of overtime. There was a problem in the project, and as the team lead, I had to stay back and fix it.
Her mother smiled softly, placing a hand on her head.
Sunita Verma (FL'S MOTHER)
I know my daughter is very hardworking. That’s why I get worried…
They continued their breakfast in peace. Everything seemed normal again—too normal.
Last night’s hurtful words vanished from their expressions, as if they had never been said. As if such things were just… normal. But Sitara couldn’t shake the thought that something felt off. Like her pain had never mattered. Or like it had been carefully buried under a blanket of pretend warmth.
Actually these things are normal her parents always does those things whenever she is late and later the next morning they behave like nothing's happened.
That's actually ODD BEHAVIOR.
And neither Sitara... nor her parents... knew that the ID card she lost last night had already fallen into hands that would soon uncover the truths hidden in their quiet little world.
Sitara stepped out of the cab, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. The office gates stood tall in front of her, and the usual Friday buzz had already begun.
She walked toward the entrance, reaching into her bag for her ID card.
Sitara Verma (FL)
(thinking)
Let me just scan in... or they won’t let me in without this.
Her fingers rummaged through every pocket—front, back, inside zip—but the card was nowhere to be found.
Sitara Verma (FL)
(startled)
What? Where’s my ID card?!
She checked again. Her panic grew. Her mind began racing.
Sitara Verma (FL)
(thinking)
Did I leave it at home? I came home last night and dropped the bag on the couch. Maybe... maybe I forgot to check it...
Then another thought hit her.
Sitara Verma (FL)
(thinking)
No… what if I left it in the office cabin while working late?
But slowly, her memory rewound to the alley… the man, the blood, the chaos.
Sitara Verma (FL)
(wide-eyed)
That’s when I bent down to help him. I had my bag with me… could I have…?
The realization struck her like a wave of guilt.
She quickly walked to a nearby bench and sat down, covering her face with her palms.
Sitara Verma (FL)
(thinking)
God, how could I be so careless? What if someone misuses it? What if I lose my job for this?
She was about to spiral into self-blame when a familiar voice called out...
She looked up, startled. Her eyes widened in shock.
It was him—the man from the alley. The one she helped. He stood in front of her, wearing a faint smile.
He still looked a little pale, but better than last night.
Sitara Verma (FL)
(standing up quickly)
Sir?! What are you doing here? You should be resting after all those injuries!
The man chuckled softly and pulled something out of his coat pocket.
Unknown
I came to return this.
Sitara’s eyes lit up. Relief washed over her face as she took the card carefully.
Sitara Verma (FL)
Oh thank God! Thank you so, so much sir! I have a very important presentation today. Without this, I wouldn’t have been able to enter…
The man’s lips curled into a warm, knowing smile.
Unknown
(softly)
I should be the one thanking you. If you hadn’t helped me last night… I might not have survived till morning.
Sitara stood, holding her ID card close. Her eyes sincere, her voice calm.
Sitara Verma (FL)
Sir… whatever I did last night… it was just humanity.
If someone’s in pain or in trouble, it’s our duty to help.
The man stared at her—his expression soft but touched with something bitter.
Unknown
(smiling faintly)
Child… not everyone is like you.
His eyes turned distant for a moment… then darkened slightly.
Unknown
Before you came… two men walked by.
They saw me… bleeding, helpless...
But neither of them even stopped or turned back.
Sitara’s smile faded. Her heart sank slightly.
Sitara Verma (FL)
(thinking)
That’s... horrible.
How could someone walk away from that?
Sitara Verma (FL)
(softly)
That’s really sad…
The man looked at her again and gave a brief nod.
Unknown
(gently)
Anyway, you should go now…
You’ll get late for your presentation.
Sitara quickly looked at her watch.
Sitara Verma (FL)
(shocked)
Only 45 minutes left! Oh God!
She took a step back in a hurry, bowing slightly.
Sitara Verma (FL)
(smiling)
I’m sorry sir… I really don’t have time today.
But… I hope we meet again.
The man just smiled and nodded
Sitara began walking quickly toward the office doors.
She had barely taken a few steps when a thought struck her.
Sitara Verma (FL)
(calling out)
Sir! But… what’s your name?
The man paused, half-turning with a proud smile.
Rajendra Singh Chauhan
Rajendra Singh Chauhan.
He turned and walked away…
Her mind slowly registering the name she had just heard.
Sitara Verma (FL)
(shocked thought)
Wait… Rajendra Singh Chauhan?
Sitara Verma (FL)
The Rajendra Singh Chauhan?!
The most powerful businessman in Tech & Trade industry?
He’s known for his intimidating presence and ruthless decisions...
Sitara Verma (FL)
(heart pounding)
I… I helped him last night?
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