The rhythmic hum of the airplane engines did little to soothe Riyanshi’s restless mind. She stared out of the window, the glittering city lights below slowly fading into darkness as the plane climbed higher. On the tray table in front of her sat a hardcover copy of Threads of Silence, its silver title catching the faint overhead light.
It had been three days since she first read the book, and in those three days, Riyanshi had devoured every other novel written by Ahryan Kapoor. She had combed through each story, looking for the tiniest threads that connected them to Ahanveer. And with each book, the feeling grew stronger—these weren’t just stories; they were echoes of their past.
Every line, every moment of vulnerability woven into the pages, felt like an intimate conversation between two people who had once shared everything. Riyanshi’s instincts, honed from years of dissecting evidence and reading people in courtrooms, screamed at her that this wasn’t a coincidence. Ahanveer was Ahryan Kapoor. She was sure of it.
But proving it was another matter.
Ahryan Kapoor’s identity was a closely guarded secret. The books were published under an exclusive contract with Raaya Publications, a boutique publishing house known for its discretion. Even the company’s CEO had publicly stated that the author had no intention of stepping into the spotlight. No interviews, no book tours, no photographs. Ahryan Kapoor existed only in words.
But Riyanshi was nothing if not resourceful.
As a criminal lawyer, she had mastered the art of uncovering truths people wanted to hide. She had already requested a list of Raaya Publications’ major clients and backers through her network. She knew it was a long shot, but if Ahanveer was tied to the company in any capacity, it would give her a lead.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the pilot’s voice announcing their descent into Delhi. Riyanshi leaned back in her seat, her mind racing with questions. What would she do if she confirmed her suspicion? What would she even say to Ahanveer after all these years?
The last time they had seen each other had been a blur of anger and heartbreak. She still remembered the finality in his voice as he had said, “You deserve someone who doesn’t break you, Riya.” It had taken her years to rebuild herself after that moment, to become the confident and unflinching lawyer she was today.
But now, those walls she had carefully constructed were beginning to crack. And it scared her.
—
Three days later, Riyanshi found herself standing in front of Raaya Publications’ office in Mumbai. The sleek, glass-fronted building towered over the bustling street below. She adjusted her blazer, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.
The receptionist greeted her with a professional smile. “Good morning. Do you have an appointment?”
“Yes, with Mr. Kunal Mehta,” Riyanshi replied, handing over her ID.
Kunal Mehta was Raaya’s Chief Operating Officer, and someone she had met once at a legal seminar. It had taken a few favors and a well-placed phone call to arrange this meeting, but she was finally here.
She was led to a modern conference room where Kunal was waiting. He rose to greet her, his warm demeanor a stark contrast to the nerves Riyanshi felt bubbling under her calm exterior.
“Riyanshi! It’s been a while. What brings you to our humble publishing house?” he asked, gesturing for her to sit.
“Thank you for meeting me on such short notice, Kunal,” she said, sitting across from him. “I’ll get straight to the point. I’ve been reading Ahryan Kapoor’s work, and I’m… intrigued. I was wondering if you could share anything about him.”
Kunal’s expression shifted slightly, his smile now more guarded. “Ah, the mysterious Mr. Kapoor. I’m afraid there’s not much I can tell you. He’s a very private individual.”
“I understand,” Riyanshi said, leaning forward. “But as a lawyer, I’ve developed a habit of recognizing patterns. There are certain details in his books that feel oddly specific—details that align with someone I used to know.”
Kunal’s brow furrowed slightly. “Riyanshi, I have to respect our client’s confidentiality. Ahryan Kapoor has made it very clear that he wishes to remain anonymous. Even within the company, only a handful of people know his true identity.”
“But you do know who he is,” Riyanshi pressed gently, her tone firm but not confrontational.
Kunal hesitated, clearly weighing his words. “I can’t confirm or deny anything. But I will say this—Ahryan Kapoor writes from a place of deep personal experience. His stories are authentic because they come from the heart.”
The answer wasn’t definitive, but it was enough to fuel Riyanshi’s determination. She decided to change tactics.
“Can you at least tell me if he’s based here in Mumbai?”
Kunal shook his head with a polite smile. “I’m sorry, Riyanshi. That’s as much as I can say.”
Realizing she wasn’t going to get anything more out of him, Riyanshi decided to wrap up the meeting. “Thank you, Kunal. I appreciate your time.”
As she left the office, Riyanshi’s mind was already spinning with her next steps. If Raaya Publications wouldn’t give her answers, she’d have to find another way.
—
Later that evening, Riyanshi attended a high-profile gala hosted by a prominent legal association. She wasn’t in the mood for socializing, but the event was a prime networking opportunity, and she needed to maintain appearances.
The room buzzed with the chatter of politicians, lawyers, and corporate leaders. Riyanshi made her way through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and shaking hands, all while keeping an eye out for familiar faces.
And then, she saw him.
Ahanveer Rathore stood near the bar, his sharp suit tailored to perfection. He looked every bit the powerful CEO he had become, but there was something different about him. His eyes, once so vibrant, now held a quiet intensity.
Riyanshi’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t seen him in years, but the sight of him brought back a flood of emotions she thought she had buried.
As if sensing her gaze, Ahanveer turned. Their eyes met across the room, and for a moment, everything else faded.
But before she could make her way to him, Ahanveer turned on his heel and disappeared into the crowd.
Riyanshi’s resolve hardened. He was hiding something, and she was going to find out what it was.
