Here is the next chapter of the book. English is not my first language so please ignore the grammatical mistakes. Let's continue.

Hospital canteen buzzed with low morning chatters of people. All five friends occupied the corner seat chatting, laughing, joking and of course making fun of Samrat while he sometimes turned back into that grumpy Samrat.

''This is our first morning here'' Ritika the over excited one said a little bit loudly with wide smile playing on her lips.

''We know that Ritika'' Ruchika rolled her eyes at her child like excitement.

''Tum na ye apni aankhein itni mat nachao,'' Ritika shot back instantly ''kahi ek din gir hi na jaye tumhara ye eyeball'' Everyone burst into laughter while Ruchika narrowed her eyes at her, clearly unimpressed by her remark.

Ritika turned towards the window ''The view is so dreamy'' she admired the outside view her eyes sparkling with excitement.

''Along with the view the food too is sooo good here.'' Samrat looked up with a grin then looked back at the breakfast menu busy trying to figure out what he would eat even though he already had two croissants.

''Exactly'' Arnav nodded taking a forkful of pasta in his mouth.

''Oh Kanhaji'' Divyansh groaned, slapping his forehead dramatically ''Tumlog sara khana yahi kha loge kya? Jab bahar ghumne jayenge tab kya karoge? Dieting?'' he asked both the bhhukkad.

''Humlog phir bahar jaane wale hai?'' Samrat yelled and other people in the canteen looked into their direction making them embarrassed.

''Sorry'' Ruchika apologised embarrassingly. Then she turned her head to Samrat ''Stop behaving like Ritika, Samrat.''

''Sangat ka asar ho raha hai ispe'' Divyansh said smirking as he slapped Samrat's shoulder making him shot a sharp glare in his direction.

''At least he is not like you,'' Arnav cut in ''stupid who spent almost half an hour this morning trying to style his hair perfectly and for what!! Just to come to the hospital.''

''What'' three voice came out at once they all three stared at Divyansh blinking their eyes.

Divyansh adjusted his collar, looking offended ''Hey, we are representing our hospital here. Suna nahi hai kya first impression is the last impression!! Who knows maybe a beautiful doctor will walk by and need my help with... something.''

''The only thing you will be helping with is holding the sample tubes in the lab, Mr. helpful'' Ruchika taunted shoving him a little.

''Oh, don't remind me that!!'' he said dramatically.

Everyone laughed at his drama. ''Ok ok'' Samrat the ever responsible one said ''We have a long day ahead. Let's not tire ourselves here in the breakfast table itself because none of us had slept well after the great incident yesterday.''

''Tired?'' Arnav asked. ''You talk about yourself we are fully energetic.'' And everyone nodded their head.

He muttered a small ''Huhh'' before focusing back on his work that is deciding menu. Arnav slid his half filled pasta plate closer to Ritika. He didn't say anything just took a forkful of pasta and forwarded it to her which she ate with bright smile. His other hand gently reached out moving a hair strand away from her face making her blush at his gestures.

Their friends looked at them with a teasing smile. ''Oh, Vivek Sir. Good morning'' Divyansh suddenly called out loudly and both of them immedietely slid far away from each other.All of them burst into laughter. Arnav looked around and realised Divyansh was lying. ''You idiot!'' he snapped punching his shoulder.

''Owhh!!'' Divyansh winced, clutching his arm ''Violence is not the answer.''

''Oh really?'' Ritika smirked. ''Because that was very pleasing to my eyes.''

They were busy in themselves when the senior doctors along with Dr. Leonardo came there. They spotted the group and walked upto them. ''Good morning'' Dr. Vivek said, and they all looked in their direction.

''Uuh oh yes Good... good morning, sir'' Arnav fumbled with words. Their friends pressed their lips together trying hard not to laugh. He always gets nervous in front of Vivek sir.

''Good morning papa'' Ritika said brightly as she stood and hug him making him chuckle at her. Others too stood up and wished the senior doctors.

''So had breakfast?'' Dr. Meera asked and they all nodded ''Yes but i think Samrat is still hungry'' Divyansh commented making seniors shook their head and juniors' chuckle.

Leonardo came forward and asked ''I hope you all did not face any trouble. You all slept well last night, right?''

Everyone gulped their saliva and looked at each other then turned to him and other doctors giving a nervous laugh ''Yes... we were so comfortable last night.'' Ritika answered for everyone. Seniors are still unaware of their last night's little adventure, and they are not even planning to inform them.

Leonardo nodded giving them a soft smile. ''Glad you all were comfortable here. I came to inform you guys that you all are free today.''

''Free?'' Samrat asked not ready to believe his words.

''Yes.'' Leonardo nodded ''Take a day rest, adjust to the environment.''

''Means full free?'' Divyansh asked again, barely containing his excitement.

''Yes. But from tomorrow,'' Dr. Aadarsh started in his sharp tone, raising an eyebrow as their reaction ''your work will begin. Schedules will be tight so don't fly high.''

Everyone's face fell but anyway nodded to them. Leonardo looked at them ''So enjoy your day, You guys can even explore the city. I will take your leave.''

Vivek nodded at him and Leonardo left. Vivek turned back to the group ''Jo karna hai karo jaha ghumna hai ghumo lekin dhyan rahe jyada dur nahi jaana hai. This place is still new for us.'' he warned them and they all moved towards another table.

The moment they were out of earshot everyone released their breathe they did not know they were holding. ''Haash bach gaya'' Arnav muttered, pressing a hand to his chest as he tried to steady his racing heart.

''Aur nahi toh kya'' Divyansh was still looking into their direction ''Agar inlogo ko pata chal jaata toh aaj to humlog...'' he did not finish his words.

''Ok ok. Calm down'' Ritika fanned her palms in front of them ''Toh bahar ghumne ka plan confirm hai!!'' she asked raising her eyebrows and Divyansh's mood instantly brightened as he nodded his head too vigorously.

Ruchika glanced at Samrat with a smirk ''Toh responsible one kya kehte ho?''

Samrat shook his head defeatedly ''Kaun sa mere na kehne pe tumlog maan jaoge.'' And everyone smiled brightly. Ritika was practically jumping in her place.

The morning light painted Rome in golden look. Streets were alive with movement as tourists; local people wander around. Both girls were walking looking around happily. This time Samrat held his phone like shield. ''Okay,'' he said stopping at a corner and turned to face the group. ''There will be rules. Number 1. No one will walk alone.''

''Why will we?'' Ruchika replied instantly. ''We came here in group, Samrat.''

''Rule 2. We stay in visible distance of the hospital.'' he said ignoring her remark.

''And what's your definition of visibility?'' Ritika asked raising her brow.

''If I can't see the building we will turn back''

''That's not exploring,'' Divyansh said ''It's called orbiting in the same plane.''

''But that's safe'' he retorted.

Ruchika folded her arms leaning against a wall as a chuckle left her lips ''It's not even 24hrs here and you have already turned into overprotective father mode.''

''That's not overprotective mode,'' he shot back ''That's called having common sense.''

''Relax Samrat'' Divyansh wrapped his arm around his shoulder as they walked along the street ''This time we have so many people here to ask the way out''

They turned to a wider street lined with small boutiques, flower shops, cafes, busy malls. The smells of coffee, baked breads lingered into the air. They spent the next few hours wandering through the streets. Arnav and Ritika were walking few steps behind the rest with hand in hand talking softly, smiling, blushing.

Ruchika stopped in front of a small shop that was selling handmade jewellery. ''These are so pretty.'' she whispered looking at the delicate silver bracelet. She bought two bracelets one for herself and other for Ritika and continued moving. After few hours wandering around the streets they decided to shop for themselves.

They stepped into the mall. It was sleek and modern, filled with Italian fashions. Soft music was playing in the background. Ruchika, Ritika and Divyansh's eyes lit up instantly. ''We are not leaving anytime soon.'' Ruchika said scanning the stores.

Samrat groaned ''I knew this was a bad idea.''

Few hours later, Divyansh was trying one outfit after another, barely pausing for a moment before going back into the trial room with another dress. Arnav and Samrat stood at side with arms crossed, both having same bored expression clearly not interested in shopping.

''Bhagwaan ne ise galat gender me bhaj diya hai'' Samrat muttered under his breath and Arnav snorted agreeing to his words.''Seriously I have never seen this level of enthusiasm in men for shopping.''

Meanwhile Ritika held up a sleek deep red dress against her frame turning slightly towards the mirror. ''Ru see this is so pretty.'' she said her eyes lighting up.

''Yaa it's so beautiful.'' Ruchika trailed her fingers over the satin fabric feeling its softness. Before Ritika could respond trial room's door opened again.

''This is so stylish'' Divyansh announced, stepping out in yet another outfit.

Samrat sighed ''This is your fifteenth outfit.''

''So what'' Divyansh shot back ''Are ab mall aaye hai to dress to try karenge hi na.''

''Haan par itna jyada!!'' Arnav raised his brow already tired ''At this rate, we are never leaving.''

Ritika laughed still holding the red dress ''Relax, shopping takes time.''

''How much?'' Samrat asked ''We have been standing here from last three hours.''

''Toh khade rehne ko kisne bola hai,'' Ruchika shot back ''hamari tarah shopping karo dresses try karo.''

''Oh please'' both said in unison, rolling their eyes. Rest of them chuckled.

After few hours they all ended up buying few things mix of casual wears and a couple of elegant outfits for just in case they need for a fancy dinner or party. By the time they all walked out of the mall, their bags were heavy but stomach's were empty. They settled into a cafe right next to the mall.

The evening air was soft as they sat at an outdoor table enjoying Italian dishes and cold drink while laughing and chit chatting. ''Ahh I am full'' Divyansh leaned back against the chair as they finished their meal.

''Yes'' Ruchika nodded giving a small, tired smile, her legs were paining ''Let's go back now. I want to sleep''

They stood up, everyone paid their respective bills and walked out gathering their things. They stopped at the roadside, waiting for the light to change. There stood five sleek, black cars.

 Ruchika's sling bag slid off her shoulder and shopping bags were making it difficult for her to balance it. She let out a small sigh and stepped aside to fix it, keeping her bags at the small bench and fixes the strap. A few loose strands of her hair fall over her face. She tucked them behind her ear letting out a small, frustrated huff because it slipped back again.

Cursing under her breath she walked back to her group ''Tere paas clutcher hai kya?'' she asked Ritika. 

Ritika looked up and nodded ''Haan hai''

''Please mere baal me laga de na'' she lifted her arm pressing it against the side of her head to keep hair back in its place.

Inside the centre black car, Alessandro was staring at his phone, his brow furrowed as he scrolled through the emails reading it. Feeling the car stop, he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. He tilted his head to side and looked outside to clear his mind for a while. That's when his gaze landed on her.

Among the crowd there stood Ruchika turning her back to Ritika and was struggling with her bags while Ruchika shuffled through her purse to find the clutcher ''hashh mil gaya'' she said happily and both chuckled. Ritika stepped closer to her gently brushing her fingers through her hair as she gathered her hair together and clipped the clutcher into place.

There was something......so natural and innocent in the scene that felt completely different to him. He found himself staring without blinking his eyes. Subconsciously he reached out and pressed the button to roll the window down just a little.

Ruchika felt the sudden sensation of being watched. She frowned, turning her head around looking for the source when her gaze moved towards the car. She couldn't see through the dark tinted glass, but her eyes locked onto the narrow gap.

She couldn't see him, but Alessandro felt like she was looking right at his soul. He didn't move, didn't blink just watched this girl from afar until the traffic light turned green and his driver accelerated the car. As the car pulled away Alessandro rolled the window up, silence in the car returned back. He looked back at his phone busing himself in his work as if the moment doesn't matter to him.

''Ru!! What are you doing? Come on.'' Divyansh called out, breaking her thought.

''Did you see that?'' She asked, herself confused as why she is asking about it.

''See what?'' Ritika frowned following Ruchika's gaze that landed to the cars that were moving ahead. ''Are you talking about those cars?''

Other friends too looked at their direction. ''Those expensive cars?'' This time Samrat asked. ''They are probably just some rich businessman or politician, Ru.''

Ruchika nodded trying to shake off the strange feeling that lingered in her. Her heart was racing. She again looked in the direction where the cars had gone.

Walk back to the hospital was filled with chaos. Arnav and Samrat were complaining about how much time they wasted in mall while Ruchika Ritika and Divyansh were arguing back trying to prove that it was productive not pointless. The sky has already begun to dim as the sun set, spreading its golden light.

''We are safely back'' Samrat muttered as they stood at the hospital gate making everyone laugh loudly. Ruchika walked slowly, her legs barely keeping up. Ritika was leaning against Arnav's shoulder, and he has wrapped his arm around her. Divyansh stretched his arms as they all walked towards the elevator ''Today was perfect.'' he said.

''Yes, but my legs are aching.'' Ruchika said with tired sigh as they entered inside lift.

They all were hell tired by the time they reached their respective rooms. The initial excitement of sight-seeing had worn off and is now replaced by the heavy ache of hours of walking. Ruchika dropped her bags carelessly on the floor and flopped onto the bed, her face buried deep into the bedsheet.

De Luca Estate-

In study room,

There was complete silence in the room, the only sound came from the turning of pages and the clattering of pen against the table. It was Matteo who broke the silence. ''I have started mapping Bellini's recent movement'' he said and both men looked at him.

''So did you find anything unusual?'' Alessandro asked in his usual cold tone.

''Till now unfortunately nothing.'' Matteo shook his head making Alessandro grit his teeth in anger in frustration. ''But i got a lead, I will be leaving in an hour.''

''Seems like he is taking every step very carefully and cautiously'' Dante stated and Matteo nodded his head.

''Yes. Something changed in his way. We need to find it out soon.'' Matteo voiced out ''But what you think Alessandro, is there someone else helping him out?''

Alessandro leaned back in his chair, his posture rigid, every muscles tight with anger ''Yes, something changed in him,'' he said quietly ''And I don't like not knowing what it is.''

''There is surly some changes can be seen in his working style'' Alessandro continued after thinking for a while ''We can see it in a way he moves now. The way he plans. Like he is anticipating us.''

Matteo's eyes narrowed ''Anticipating or being guided?''

Alessandro met his gaze. ''That's what worries me.'' He paused for a moment ''If someone is helping him, then it's not just anyone. It's someone who knows how we operate.'' Silence settled in the room, heavy and thick.

''An insider?'' Dante asked, his tone was laced with curiosity.

''I am not saying that.'' Alessandro said, his voice dropped, dangerously low. ''A person only charges into lion's den when he thinks the lion is old. Or, when he has bigger predator standing behind him, to protect him.''

''You mean backing?'' Matteo asked ''But who is foolish enough to go against us?''

''That's on us to find it out.'' Alessandro stated.

''But that man, Carlo Bianchi, didn't say a word about new alley.'' Dante pointed out. ''If there was someone new, he would have told us.''

''He didn't say anything because he didn't know,'' Alessandro interrupted coldly ''Bellini is not an idiot. He won't let anyone find out something that deep.'' He stood up abruptly, chair scraped against the floor ''Dante, I want full audit report of every communication in last three days. If there is someone from inside, I want his head in front of me by dawn.''

''And if it's not?'' Dante asked.

''Yes. It is definitely someone from outside,'' Matteo said thoughtfully ''Someone who has studied us from outside for a very long time.''

Alessandro walked towards the window looking at the horizon ''Then we stop playing by old moves. If he is anticipating my moves, I will give him a move he never saw coming.''

The room fell silent again, until the soft clink of heels echoed lightly outside the door. And a moment later, the door swung open without a knock. The scent of expensive perfume filled the air, replacing the earlier smell of tobacco and alcohol.

''Woww so much silence and tension in the room'' Sofia's bright voice cut through the tension. ''If I had known a funeral was going on here, I would have worn a black dress.''

Both brothers looked at her while Dante's mind flashed back to the morning incident, the way she stepped into his personal space without hesitation, the way her touch lingered on his skin. Sofia caught his gaze for a brief moment. Something unreadable passed between them before she shifted her attention back to her brothers.

''Sofia, not now.'' Alessandro said in a calm voice. ''We are busy.''

She rolled her eyes. ''I am not here to interrupt your precious work,'' she replied dryly. ''I have something important to say.''

Matteo leaned back slightly ''And what it is, diavoletta?'' he asked, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

She shot him a sharp look ''That your future asset is walking free''

Alessandro's gaze sharpened slightly ''Witness from the port authority case?'' Sofia nodded her head smiling brightly.

''Wow. That was quick, Sorellina.'' Matteo praised her. ''I am impressed.''

''Oh, now I am your darling sister'' she shot back sweetly, her tone dripping with mock sweetness as she gathered her hair and tied it up. Matteo chuckled at her clearly enjoying the banter. Dante exhaled quietly, shaking his head at the brother- sister duo. Alessandro did not give attention to it; his mind was back to the planning. And just like that, the tension in the room eased down.

In hospital, Ruchika's room,

There was a knock at her door when she came out of the bathroom. She opened it and saw Ritika there with half asleep eyes. She raised her brow asking her why she is here.

''Dinner ke liye nahi chalna hai kya?'' she asked and Ruchika nodded her head. ''Just one minute.'' She tied her hair in a ponytail and quickly grabbing her phone she came out.

As they went towards their group they heard Divyansh complaining ''Are yrr ek bhi acchi photo nahi aayi hai.''

''Ab bandar jaisi shakal hai toh waisi hi aayegi na.'' Samrat commented and Arnav high-fived him, both breaking into laughter.

''Mai apni nahi scenary ki baat kar raha tha. Koi bhi photo waisi nahi hai jaisi waha dikh rahi thi'' He rolled his eyes, still grumpy about not getting even a single good shot.

''Because some things aren't meant to be captured,'' he said. ''They are meant to be experienced.''

''Wahh'' Ruchika praised as both girls joined the group ''Italy aate hi philosopher ban gaya.''

Ritika laughed nudging Samrat ''It was deep'' she winked and he shook his head.

They all walked towards the canteen. Ritika yawned, rubbing her eyes. Without thinking Arnav slowed his pace to match hers. ''You are tired?'' he asked.

''Hmm'' she rested her head against his arm, eyes closing as they walked. He wrapped his arm around her pulling her closer to himself and she leaned into him more.

As they entered the canteen, they chose the same corner table as in the morning. Everyone ordered their respective food, which was light because they had already eaten so much since morning. After dinner, they slowly made their way back to their rooms.

As she entered into her room, she walked towards the window and looked outside, feeling the calmness spreading across the horizon of the city. For a fleeting second, her mind drifted back to the traffic, to the car and that strange feeling of being watched. But she brushed away her thoughts, rubbing her palm over her face and pushing the memory somewhere into a corner of her mind.

''Aaj mai bhi ghar pe phone nahi kar payi aur udhar se bhi kisi ne nahi kiya.'' she muttered thinking about the possible reasons why no one had called her today. She glanced at the time on her phone, it was already past ten. ''Yaha pe das baj rahe hai waha par toh dedh baj rahe honge. Kal baat karti hu.''

She closed her eyes feeling the gentle breeze against her face and inhaled deeply. ''Kal se kaam pe bhi lagna hai, Ru. Chal so lete hai.'' she said to herself, and wishing herself goodnight, she called it a day.

******************************

End of the chapter.

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