Shadows of the Past

27 days ago

Mikky

@MidnightLibrary

Shadows of the Past

Prithvi's car screeched to a halt outside the abandoned warehouse, the only sound in the desolate landscape. His heart raced with anticipation and fear as he followed the kidnapper's instructions during the phone calls . The darkness seemed to swallow him whole, like a living entity, as he stepped out of the car. The warehouse loomed before him, its towering structure a monolith of neglect and decay.

As he approached the entrance, the dim light from the two lone lamp posts cast eerie shadows on the ground. The air was heavy with the scent of smoke and ash, a reminder of the devastating fire that had ravaged the factory years ago, claiming the lives of many labourers. The company's subsequent disputes with the government had left the area abandoned and forlorn.

Prithvi's eyes adjusted slowly to the darkness, and he noticed the itchy darkness that seemed to cling to the factory buildings like a bad omen. The vast acreage of fields beyond the warehouse stretched out like an endless black canvas, engulfing everything in its path. The only sound was the soft rustling of the wind through the overgrown grass, like a mournful sigh.

Prithvi's heart pounded in his chest as he ventured towards the abandoned warehouse, his senses on high alert for any sign of Anushka or her captors.

Prithvi's hand trembled as he pulled out his mobile phone from his pocket, his heart racing with anticipation and fear. He had followed the kidnapper's instructions to the message , and now he was ready to demand answers.

"I've arrived," he said, his voice firm but laced with anxiety. "Now tell me where my sister is?"

But there was only silence on the other end of the line. The phone went dead, and Prithvi's heart skipped a beat. Fear and uncertainty crept in, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

Just then, a figure emerged from the shadows. He was tall, imposing, and wore a mask that obscured his face, leaving only his eyes visible. They gleamed with a sinister intensity in the dim light.

"Where is my sister?" Prithvi demanded, trying to keep his voice steady. "What do you want from me?"

The masked man didn't respond. Instead, he barked out a command in a low, gravelly voice. "Raise your hands up!!"

Prithvi hesitated for a moment before complying, his hands shaking as he held them up in surrender. The masked man approached him, his movements swift and menacing. He began to pat Prithvi down, searching for any hidden weapons or GPS devices that might indicate police involvement.

"Switch off your phone," the man growled, his voice muffled by the mask.

Prithvi nodded, his fingers trembling as he powered down his phone. The masked man snatched it from his grasp and shoved it into his pocket, his eyes never leaving Prithvi's face.

The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of Prithvi's ragged breathing. He was at the mercy of this masked stranger, with no idea what lay ahead.

The masked man swiftly blindfolded Prithvi with a black cloth, the fabric rough against his skin. A cold gun barrel pressed into his back, making his heart race like a jackrabbit. "Don't try to be smart...and no questions," the man growled, his voice low and menacing.

Prithvi's mind reeled as he was led away, his senses heightened. He stumbled forward, his hands outstretched in front of him like a blind man feeling his way through darkness. His heart pounded in his chest like a drum, threatening to burst free. He thought of his sister, Anushka, and the accident that had nearly claimed his life. Fate had given him a second chance, but now he faced a new, deadly challenge.

Unbeknownst to Prithvi, a suspicious figure watched from the shadows. Sanyogita hid behind a building, her eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before her. She had followed Prithvi's car, parking her own vehicle out of sight. Now, she observed with a mix of confusion and thrill as Prithvi's car halted in a desolate spot, far from the city's bustling streets. The only sound was the distant hum of two lamp posts, casting a dim, eerie glow.

As she watched ahead , Sanyogita's mind whirled with questions.

What was Prithvi involved in? What was he doing here late at night??

“Who was Prithvi talking to on the phone?”

Without hesitation, Sanyogita sped away, her tires screeching in protest as she put distance between herself and the ominous scene. Her heart raced like a wild animal, threatening to burst free from her chest. She had watched Prithvi step out of his car, his mobile phone pressed to his ear, his voice hushed and urgent. The whispered secret sent shivers down her spine.

As Sanyogita watched ahead, her mind raced with questions, each one tumbling over the other like a runaway train. What had Prithvi gotten himself into? Who was the masked man, and what did he want with him? The unknowns swirled in her head like a maelstrom, threatening to pull her under.

Her heart galloped like a jackrabbit, her mind reeling with worst-case scenarios.

“Who was the masked man? And what did they want with him ? She knew she had to act fast, to unravel the tangled threads of this deadly game before it was too late.

Sanyogita's grip on the iron pillar tightened, her knuckles white with tension. She felt like she was frozen in time, unable to move or look away from the scene unfolding before her. The darkness seemed to close in around her, amplifying her fears, making her skin crawl.

“Who was the man with the gun, his eyes glinting like ice in the dim light? The questions swirled, each one sharpening her fear.

A chill ran down her spine as the man emerged from the shadows, the gun glinting in his hand like a cold, deadly snake. Prithvi's eyes were blindfolded, his expression tense and fearful, like a trapped animal.

A cold breeze rustled against Sanyogita's hair and body, but the scene before her eyes turned her limbs to ice. She watched, frozen, as the man led Prithvi through the empty space, their footsteps echoing off the desolate walls. They didn't stop; they kept walking, disappearing into the darkness like spectres.

Sanyogita watched, her heart heavy, as the man led Prithvi through the empty space. They didn't stop; they kept walking, disappearing into the darkness. She took slow steps forward, her heart pounding in her chest, her legs feeling like lead. The scene before her eyes had turned her limbs to ice, her mind racing with the thought: "My husband is in grave danger.”

Sanyogita took slow, hesitant steps forward, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum. The man holding the gun prodded Prithvi through a narrow path, the sound of gravel crunching beneath their feet the only soundtrack to this ominous scene.

As Sanyogita followed, her foot hit something hard, and a loud whimper rose in her throat. She clamped her hand over her mouth, stifling the sound. Her heart racing, she felt something sticky on her sandals and ankle. She couldn't tell if it was sweat or blood, but she knew she had to keep moving.

Hiding behind a crumbling wall, Sanyogita peeked around the edge, her head barely visible. She saw the man push Prithvi inside an old factory ground floor . The area was deserted, the only sound the creaking of rusty gates and the distant hum of a lonely engine.

Sanyogita's mind reeled with questions. Where was she? What did they want with Prithvi? And who was this masked man, his eyes glinting like ice in the dark? She knew she had to act fast, to unravel the tangled threads of this deadly game before it was too late.

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Prithvi stumbled forward, the gun's pressure against his back suddenly absent. The footsteps echoed through the desolate hallway, growing fainter with each passing moment. He strained to locate the source, but the darkness seemed to swallow all sound.

As the cloth covering his eyes was removed, Prithvi blinked rapidly, hoping to adjust to the new environment. But there was nothing to see. The darkness was absolute, a heavy blanket that suffocated him.

Panic set in as he realised his phone was gone, taken by the masked figure. Without it, he was trapped in this abyss, unable to call for help or even light a path. His hands trembled as he felt his way through the void, desperate to find a wall, a door, anything.

The air was thick with the scent of decay and rot, and Prithvi's stomach churned with every step. He stumbled, his foot catching on an unseen obstacle. As he regained his balance, a faint creaking echoed through the darkness, making him freeze.

As the darkness closed in around him, Prithvi's breaths grew shallow and laboured. The air was heavy with the scent of decay, and he could feel the weight of it pressing down on him. Sweat trickled down his face, his skin slick with fear.

He turned to make a desperate bid for escape, but his feet faltered. He had no idea where he was or how he'd gotten there. The darkness was a living entity, wrapping itself around him like a shroud.

Then, the sound of footsteps echoed through the void, followed by the creaking of a door. The iron gate screeched, like a tortured animal, as it closed behind him. Prithvi's heart sank, realising he was trapped.

Music with laughter erupted, a low, menacing chuckle that grew louder and more intense. Prithvi's hands instinctively clamped over his ears, but the sound seeped through, making his skin crawl. It was a maelstrom of madness, a cacophony of cruelty that threatened to consume him whole.

"Who's there?!" Prithvi's voice shattered the darkness, his screams echoing off the walls. "Stop it! F*cking stop it!" The laughter ceased, leaving an oppressive silence.

Prithvi's heart skipped beats, his chest heaving with rapid breaths. He struggled to calm himself, to think logically. But the question lingered: was his kidnapper a psychopath?

"Who are you?!" Prithvi's voice cracked with desperation. "Answer me! I said,who...a...re...you?" He screamed until his throat was raw, but the only response was stoic silence.

The stillness was suffocating, punctuated only by Prithvi's ragged breathing. He had a gut feeling he was trapped, that he was being toyed with by a master manipulator. The thought sent a chill down his spine.

With a surge of adrenaline, Prithvi decided to take action. He would not be a helpless pawn in this twisted game.

"If you have courage, then come in front of me!" he taunted, his voice echoing into the void.

But the silence remained, a deafening reminder that Prithvi was at the mercy of a psycho gardener, who was sowing seeds of terror in his mind.

“Dheeraj, I know you're behind all of this! Come out and face me if you're so brave!” Prithvi's voice was laced with a deadly challenge, echoing off the walls.

Suddenly, the sound of a metre switching on pierced the air, followed by an eerie silence. The white light flickered to life, illuminating the space with an otherworldly glow. Prithvi shielded his eyes, the intensity of the light forcing him to squint.

As his vision adjusted, he took in his surroundings. The hall was vast and empty, with walls bearing the scars of neglect. Moss shadows clung to the surface, while red gutka stains marred the paint. The air was heavy with the scent of decay.

Prithvi's gaze darted across the room, searching for any sign of Dheeraj or a possible exit. But there was nothing. doors which were locked , but no windows, just the endless expanse of the hall. He wondered if there were rooms hidden behind the walls, or if he was truly alone.

“Dheeraj, where are you? Where is my sister, Anu? I'm back!” Prithvi's voice thundered through the vast, empty space, echoing off the walls. The silence that followed was oppressive, heavy with anticipation.

Prithvi spun around, his eyes scanning the shadows, but there was no one in sight. Then, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall, growing louder before abruptly ceasing. The sudden stillness was unnerving.

“Why so hurry, Mr. Prithviraj Malhotra?” a voice taunted, the tone dripping with malice.

Prithvi's gaze darted around the room, desperate to locate the speaker, but the voice seemed to come from all directions and none at the same time.

“Who are you? What do you want from me? And where is my sister?” Prithvi's questions tumbled out in a frantic rush, but the only response was a low, menacing chuckle.

A figure emerged from the shadows, its presence seeming to draw the light out of the room. A sly smile spread across the face, like a crack in a mask. Prithvi's heart sank, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

Prithvi's gaze locked onto the figure, a sense of familiarity nagging at his mind. He scrutinised the face, searching for recognition, but his memories remained shrouded in a thick fog.

He narrowed his eyes, trying to piece together the puzzle. The features seemed to dance on the edge of his consciousness, tantalisingly close yet frustratingly out of reach.

A flicker of frustration crossed his face as he struggled to recall the connection. Who was this person? Why did they seem so familiar?

A figure emerged from the shadows, its presence seeming to draw the light out of the room like a dark spectre. The air grew thick with tension as a sly smile spread across its face, like a crack in a mask, revealing a glimmer of malevolence beneath. Prithvi's heart sank, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios as his gaze locked onto the figure before him.

A sense of familiarity nagged at his mind, like a forgotten memory trying to resurface. But he couldn't quite place it. The figure's features seemed to dance at the edge of his recollection, taunting him with their elusiveness.

As the figure stepped closer, the shadows seemed to writhe and twist around it, like living darkness. Prithvi's instincts screamed at him to be cautious, to beware of this person who seemed to embody the very essence of danger.

The figure's eyes gleamed with a knowing light, as if they held secrets and lies beyond Prithvi's wildest imagination. A shiver ran down his spine as he realised that he was face to face with someone who would stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

The man, medium height, around 5'5", with an unassuming presence, smiled as he settled into the chair brought by an unseen assistant. His movements were deliberate, calculated, as he crossed his right leg over his left, exuding an air of superiority.

"Welcome, Prithvi," he said, his voice dripping with malice, like honey laced with poison. "I see you're willing to risk everything for your precious sister." The words hung in the air, heavy with taunt.

He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers over the armrest, one hand resting on the wing, the other bent at the elbow, a picture of relaxed control. The pose was deliberate, meant to convey power, dominance.

Prithvi's eyes never left the man's face, his mind racing with questions, but the man's expression remained inscrutable, a mask of calm calculation.

"Who are you?" Prithvi demanded, trying to keep his voice steady despite the fear that threatened to overwhelm him.

The figure's chuckle was like a rusty gate scraping against concrete, sending shivers down Prithvi's spine. The sound was low and menacing, dripping with malice, and it seemed to echo through the room like a dark promise.

"You really don't remember, do you?" the figure taunted, its voice dripping with sadistic pleasure. "I'm someone from your past, Prithvi. Someone who's been waiting a long time for this moment."

"Stop your rubbish , I'm not interested in any kind of insane game for you !" Prithvi spat, his anger boiling over. "Just tell me where my sister is!" his fists tightening into knots of rage as he struggled to maintain control. His eyes blazed with fury, but his voice was barely above a whisper. "Where is Anu?" he growled, the words escaping his lips like a snarl

The figure's smile grew wider, its eyes glinting with malevolence. "You'll find out soon enough," it said, its voice dripping with sadistic pleasure. "But for now, let's just say she's... comfortable. And she'll stay that way, as long as you cooperate."

Prithvi's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew he had to keep the figure talking, had to find out where Anu was and what this person wanted. "What do you want from me?" he demanded, trying to keep his voice steady.

The man's laughter erupted like a hyena's cackle, sending chills coursing through Prithvi's veins. "Filhaal, I just wanted to destroy you, Prithviraj Malhotra. Oh, how poor you are! I feel really bad for you. Just in a blink, you've lost everything. Your reputation, then your wife... now your sister." The words dripped with sadistic glee, each one a precision-crafted blow aimed at Prithvi's shattered soul.

“So, you're the psycho who sent Mohini to destroy my life, and the abortion pills too?" Prithvi's voice was a low, deadly whisper, his eyes blazing with fury.

The person's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with sadistic pleasure. "How smart you are, Prithvi. Impressive. I like the way you care for your loved ones... it makes this so much sweeter."

Prithvi's patience was wearing thin, his anger simmering just below the surface. "I don't have time for your games. Tell me where my sister is!"

The person leaned forward, his grin twisting into a grotesque mask. "Prithvi, why hurry? Tell me, how does it feel to lose everything? Your public profile , your happily ever after... your wife was even willing to divorce you!" The venomous words dripped with malice, designed to push Prithvi to the edge.

Prithvi's fists clenched, his jaw working to contain the rage boiling inside. But he held back, his focus fixed on saving Anushka. Nothing else mattered. He would endure any torture, any humiliation, to rescue his sister.

"Where is Anushka?Tell me where you have kept my sister abducted" he growled, each word a low, menacing drumbeat.

The figure's chuckle grew louder, more menacing, and Prithvi's gut twisted with fear. " isn't it enough to hear you she's safe...for now ," the figure said, its voice dripping with malice. "But if you want to see her again, you'll play by my rules."

The person's words hung in the air like a challenge, taunting Prithvi with his helplessness. But Prithvi refused to give in, his eyes locked on the person with a fierce determination.

Prithvi's mind reeled, his thoughts a maelstrom of fear and fury. What twisted desire drove this monster to torment him? What cruel game was he orchestrating?

"What do you want me to do?" Prithvi repeated, his voice a barely audible whisper, as if speaking too loudly might shatter the fragile thread of control he clung to.

The person leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together in a gesture of triumph, like a conductor preparing to lead a symphony of suffering. "Oh, Prithvi... I want you to suffer. I want you to lose everything that matters to you. And then... I want you to beg." His voice dripped with sadistic pleasure, each word a precision-crafted knife twist in Prithvi's gut.

Prithvi's eyes narrowed, his heart pounding in his chest like a drumbeat of defiance. He knew he had to maintain a fragile grip on his emotions, to play along with this monster's twisted game. For Anushka's sake, he had to survive, and had to outlast the torment that loomed ahead.

"Let's play," Prithvi said, his voice cold, calculating, a mask of determination slapped over the fear that threatened to consume him.

The person's grin grew wider, his eyes glinting with excitement, like a child unwrapping a long-awaited gift. "Excellent choice, Prithvi. Let the games begin." His voice was a gleeful whisper, a promise of agony to come, and Prithvi steeled himself for the horrors that lay ahead.

The person's gesture was like a conductor's cue, and his minion sprang into action, disappearing into the shadows to retrieve Anushka.

Prithvi's heart raced with anticipation, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios, but he steeled himself for the nightmare unfolding before him. He would do anything to save Anushka, even if it meant sacrificing himself. His eyes locked onto the person opposite him, a deadly smile spreading across the man's face like a crack in a mirror

As Anushka was dragged into the hall, Prithvi's breath caught in his throat. His eyes devoured every detail of her appearance, drinking in the sight of her pale face, her mouth sealed with a strip of white tape, her forehead beaded with sweat. Her hair, usually a luscious mane, was now bound behind her in a messy ponytail, and her hands were clasped behind her back with a rope.

The man holding her by the upper arm pulled her closer, his grip like a vice. Anushka's eyes, red-rimmed from crying, locked onto Prithvi's, and tears began to well up again. Despite the relief of seeing her brother, her expression was etched with fear and despair.

Prithvi's gaze roved over her, taking in every detail, his mind screaming with rage and helplessness. He wanted to rush to her side, to sweep her into his arms and protect her from this monster. But he knew he had to keep his cool, to play along with his twisted games.

The mastermind voice cut through the silence, his tone dripping with sadistic pleasure. "Ah, the reunion. How touching. But let's not get too sentimental, shall we, Prithvi? The game is far from over."

Prithvi's eyes never left Anushka's face, his voice low and even. "Let her go . This has nothing to do with her."

The man chuckled, the sound like a rusty gate. "Oh, but it has everything to do with her, Prithvi. She's the pawn that will bring you to your knees.”

Prithvi's eyes narrowed, his mind recoiling in disgust at the latter's question. He found the inquiry utterly revolting, a twisted probe into his emotional vulnerability. The man's grin, his gleeful demeanour, it all screamed of psychopathic tendencies, a complete disregard for human empathy.

"How dare you," Prithvi spat, his voice low and venomous. "You're sick, person . You're enjoying this, aren't you? The power, the control, the suffering... it's all a game to you."

The man who was sitting just before Prithvi, his smile never wavered, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, Prithviraj, you wounded me. I'm simply curious about the human condition. And what better way to explore it than through the lens of suffering?"

Prithvi's gaze turned icy, his thoughts racing with ways to escape, to overpower the heinous minded insane and shatter the chains that bound him and Anushka. He knew he had to tread carefully, to manipulate the situation to his advantage. But for now, he was trapped, forced to play along with the mastermind's twisted game.

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Sanyogita's breath came in short, sharp gasps as she crept toward the house, her eyes scanning the perimeter for a vulnerable entry point. A narrow stream of white light emerging from a small gap , slightly ajar, beckoned her like a lifeline. She tiptoed on her heels, her heart racing with anticipation, and peeked inside.

The scene before her made her blood freeze. Prithvi, his eyes blazing with a mix of fear and anger, stood tall, facing a man who was sitting on a chair . The latter's smile was a thin, cruel line, his eyes glinting with sadistic pleasure.

Anushka, Prithvi's younger sister, was handcuffed and gagged, her eyes wide with terror, as she was held captive by one of Adheeraj's henchmen. Sanyogita's gaze darted between Prithvi and Anushka, her mind racing with the implications.

Prithvi's face was pale, his jaw clenched, as he spoke to man, his voice low and even. But Sanyogita could sense the fear and desperation beneath his words. She knew she had to act fast, or risk losing Prithvi and Anushka forever. The thought sent a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins, and she knew she had to come up with a plan - and fast.

With a surge of adrenaline, Sanyogita took in every detail of the room. The flickering light bulb cast eerie shadows on the walls. The air was thick with the stench of decay. She spotted a rusty pipe on the floor, a potential weapon. Sanyogita's eyes locked onto her husband and her sister-in-law cum younger sister from another womb Anushka , her heart aching with fear and determination. She knew she had to save him, no matter the cost.

Sanyogita's instincts screamed caution, and she swiftly hid behind a nearby tree, her heart racing like a jackrabbit. She peeked out, her eyes scanning the darkness, as a menacing figure emerged from the shadows, gun in hand. The moon cast eerie silhouettes on the ground, making the scene even more foreboding.

With trembling hands, Sanyogita silently activated her phone's silent mode and dialled ACP Zunaid Yusuf Imam Mallick's number. The phone seemed to ring forever, the shrill tone echoing through the stillness.

Zunaid's left thigh buzzed with the vibration, and he reached into his khaki pants to retrieve the phone. A single glance at the screen was all it took for a deep frown to crease his forehead, his tiger eyes narrowed into slits.

"Bhabhi..." he growled, his voice a low, warning rumble, like thunder on a summer day. He knew that Sanyogita wouldn't call unless it was a matter of life and death.

The team exchanged curious glances, sensing a sudden shift in Zunaid's demeanour. Who was on the other end of the line, and what did they want? The tension in the Scorpio ratcheted up a notch, as if the very air was charged with anticipation.

Sanyogita's voice trembled on the phone, her words laced with fear and urgency, as she spoke from the deserted area near an old warehouse on the outskirts of Mumbai. The chill of the midnight air seemed to seep into her bones, making her teeth chatter. "Zunaid, I don't have much time... Prithvi and... Anu..." The line crackled, and her voice faltered, as if she was struggling to hold back far .

Zunaid's grip on the phone tightened, his heart racing with every passing second. He could hear the sound of leaves rustling in the background and the distant hum of a car driving by. "Anu???? What's happened to Anushka and Prithvi, bhabhi? Please tell me!" The silence on the other end was deafening, punctuated only by Sanyogita's ragged breathing, and the creaking of trees swaying in the wind.

"Zunaid, please... you have to come," Sanyogita whispered urgently, her voice barely audible over the phone.

Zunaid's expression turned grim, his mind racing with possibilities. "Where are you bhabhi ?” The desperation in his voice was palpable, as he waited for a response.

Suddenly, her voice dropped to a whisper, barely audible over the static. "Undono ke Jaan ko khatra hai, Zunaid." (Both their lives are in danger.) The words sent a chill down Zunaid's spine, and he could feel his blood running cold.

"Zunaid, please...hurry...anything can happen...I'm so scared," Sanyogita's voice trembled over the phone, her words laced with desperation.

"Don't worry, Bhabhi, I'm alerting the local police and we'll be there soon. Aap chinta mat kijiye!!" Zunaid reassured her, but he knew the fear that gripped her heart. He could sense it, even over the phone.

The line went dead, leaving Zunaid with an eerie silence. He stared at the phone, his eyes wide with fear, as he waited for the WhatsApp message with the location and picture. Each passing second felt like an eternity, stretching out the suspense like rubber.

The moment Zunaid heard Anushka's name, his heart shattered like fragile glass. For the first time in his life, fear crept into his veins, chilling him to the bone. As a seasoned police officer, he had never been scared of bullets and they make fools to death each alternate day without flinching, but tonight, he was paralyzed by the thought of losing his love.

Finally, the message arrived, and Zunaid's eyes scanned the screen with a mix of horror and determination. The picture showed Prithvi and Anushka, bound and gagged, their eyes pleading for help. The location was pinpointed to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Mumbai, a place notorious for its dark activities.

Zunaid's jaw clenched, his mind racing with strategies. He knew he had to act fast, to rescue Prithvi and Anushka before it was too late. With a deep breath, he sprang into action, his fingers flying across the phone's keyboard as he alerted his team and coordinated a rescue plan. The clock was ticking, and every second counted.

"What happened, Sir?" his junior officers asked, sensing the sudden change in their senior's demeanour.

ASP Zoya and Inspector Ravinder exchanged worried glances, while Constable Shuklaji looked on with concern.

“ What. Mrs Malhotra told you?? That Mr. Malhotra and his sister are in…" “ Ravinder asked . As he was aware of the relationship between his senior officer and Anushka Malhotra .

Zunaid took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. "Anushka and Prithvi are in danger," he said, his voice low and even, but his heart racing like a runaway train.

Both ASP Zoya and Inspector Ravinder looked at the senior officer ACP Zunaid with worry. Constable Shuklaji exchanged a glance from ASP Zoya.

Zunaid's gaze turned icy, his jaw clenched. "Just look at the picture I sent you," he said, his voice calm, but his heart exploding silently.

As his team viewed the image, a collective gasp filled the air. The picture showed Prithvi and Anushka, bound and gagged, their eyes pleading for help.

The room fell silent, the only sound was the heavy breathing of Zunaid's team. They knew they had to act fast, to rescue their friends before it was too late.

With a nod, Zunaid sprang into action, his mind racing with a plan. "Let's move, team. We have no time to waste.”

With a deep breath, Zunaid sprang into action, his mind racing with a plan to rescue his friends. He knew every second counted, and he couldn't afford to waste a single one. He quickly forwarded the message to ASP Zoya and Inspector Ravinder, and constable Shuklaji .

As soon as the team viewed the picture, a collective silence fell over the room. As soon as just after one glance from the screen , ASP Zoya, Constable Shuklaji, and Inspector Ravinder exchanged a horrified glance. The air inside the police Scorpio seemed to thicken, heavy with the weight of their collective dread.

Zunaid's voice broke the stillness, his tone low and urgent. "Zoom in on the figure sitting in the chair."

The image enlarged, revealing a man with a sinister grin spreading across his face like a dark stain. Zunaid's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with recognition. "It's him," he growled, his voice low and deadly. "Dr. Adheeraj Jain, the mastermind behind the potassium cyanide ampule murder case."

Without delay, Zunaid sprang into action. He swiftly dialled the local police station near the old warehouse, his voice firm and commanding. "We need backup at the old warehouse on 5th and Main. Possible hostage situation. Requesting immediate assistance."

Turning to Inspector Ravinder, Zunaid's eyes locked onto him. "Ravinder, get the car turned around. We need to move, now. Mrs. Malhotra sent the location. Let's go."

Ravinder nodded, already rolling the steering wheel . "Yes Sir"

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"Why are you doing this to me? Who are you?!" Prithvi shouted, his eyes bloodshot from rage and desperation.

The man's laughter echoed through the room, a cold, mirthless sound that sent shivers down Prithvi's spine. Then, his expression twisted into a venomous glare, his eyes blazing with a hatred that seemed to burn from the very soul.

"Thirteen years... I've waited thirteen years for this day," The man spat, his voice dripping with malice. "To drag you down to my feet, to watch you beg helplessly, to see your loved ones suffer... just as you made me suffer, Prithviraj."

Prithvi's mind reeled, his thoughts racing with questions. Who was this man? What did he want? But before he could ask, Adheeraj continued, his voice dripping with venom.

"Malhotra Son's International School, 2009, batch IX-C, roll number 57... remember?" Adheeraj's eyes glinted with triumph. "You don't, do you, Prithviraj? But I do. I remember everything."

Prithvi's head spun, his memories flashing back to those days. And then, like a whisper, he asked, "Who are you talking about?"

Adheeraj's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with malevolence. "Sarika Jain... remember, Prithviraj Malhotra?" The name hung in the air like a challenge, a gauntlet thrown down.

Prithvi's world came crashing down around him, his memories toppling like a house of cards in a hurricane. The revelation slammed into him with the force of a freight train, leaving him breathless and reeling. He never realised his past would shatter his happily ever after in an instant, leaving him with a chasm of uncertainty and fear.

"I'm... I'm Dr. Adheeraj Jain, Sarika's elder brother," Adheeraj declared, his voice dripping with triumph, like a victor claiming his prize.

The words hung in the air like a challenge, a gauntlet thrown down, daring Prithvi to confront the demons he thought he'd left behind.

Prithvi's eyes locked onto Adheeraj, a chilly shiver coursing down his spine like a winter breeze. His mind raced with questions, his heart heavy with foreboding, as the memories he'd suppressed for so long came flooding back. He recalled the whispers, the suspicion, the tragedy that had befallen his school. And now, he remembered Adheeraj, the senior batch student who'd already graduated one year before his final year of school.

The connection clicked into place like a puzzle piece, and Prithvi's eyes widened in horror.

"You're... you're the one who's been haunting me," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the thunder of his heartbeat. Adheeraj's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with malevolence, as Prithvi realised he was trapped in a nightmare from which he might never awaken.

Adheeraj's eyes blazed with intensity as he continued, "Yes Prithviraj, I was the brother of the same Sarika Jain who was a student in class 9 at your father's school. She looked up to you, admired you from afar. You were the star basketball player, the champion of your school team. Everyone knew your name, and Sarika was no exception."

Prithvi's mind reeled as he tried to remember Sarika. He had been in his final year of school, and Sarika was just a freshman. He had never really noticed her, never really talked to her.

"What does this have to do with anything?" Prithvi asked, trying to keep his cool.

Adheeraj's smile was a thin, cruel line. "You see, Prithvi, Sarika's admiration for you turned into an obsession. She would follow you around, watch you play basketball, and even sneak into the senior's area just to catch a glimpse of you."

Adheeraj's voice dropped to a whisper, his words dripping with venom. "You humiliated her, Prithvi. You rejected her in front of her friends, told her she was just a freshman and didn't stand a chance with you. And I've spent years watching her struggle to overcome that humiliation. Years, Prithvi. And now, it's time for you to pay the price.”

Prithvi's mind wandered back to those unforgettable days when he met Sarika. He was the star player on his school's basketball team, a rich and popular boy admired by both girls and boys. Every evening, he would ride his bike through the quiet streets, feeling the wind in his hair and the sun on his face. That's when he saw her - a girl, probably 14 or 15, being teased by three boys on a lonely street. She looked terrified, her school bag clutched tightly in her hand, and Prithvi assumed she was heading to tuition class.

He was with his friend, and together they chased the boys away, saving the girl from their taunts. Prithvi remembered the way she looked up at him, her eyes wide with gratitude, and how he felt a surge of protectiveness towards her. To lift her spirits, he offered her chocolates, which he always carried with him for his siblings, Ariyan and Anushka. Anushka was just 11 then, and Ariyan was 14.

The girl's smile still lingered in his memory, and he was surprised to see her again at school two days later. She was standing near the basketball court, watching him practise. Later, he discovered she was in the same class as Ariyan, a new admission. Five months passed, and Prithvi's team won the inter-school competition. He won a trophy in basketball and couldn't wait to share the news with his dad. But when he reached home, his dad was busy with a meeting, and his PA informed him that he would soon be leaving on a business trip. Prithvi felt a pang of disappointment and neglect, which he would later regret.

Prithvi's family was ecstatic about his basketball victory, but he wasn't in the mood to celebrate. The hurt and neglect he felt from his dad's absence still lingered, and he dozed off, feeling empty inside. The next morning, he woke up to find a luxurious wristwatch on his bedside table, a gift from his dad. But the expensive present only exacerbated his feelings of neglect.

When his grandfather, DD, came to talk to him, Prithvi poured out his heart. "If Dad spent time with me instead of giving me expensive gifts, I'd be happier," he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

At school, everyone was buzzing with excitement, teasing each other about their crushes. Prithvi tried to avoid the conversations, still hurt and angry with his dad. But Nishant, his friend, tried to lift his spirits, making jokes and trying to get him to laugh. That's when Sarika approached him, her eyes shining with admiration, and handed him a card with a bar of chocolate.

But Prithvi, still seething with anger towards his dad, lashed out at Sarika. "I don't have feelings for you. Love is garbage," he said, his words cutting deep. In his mind, he was arguing with his dad, who could give him expensive gifts but not spare 10 minutes to talk to him.

After that day, Prithvi heard the snickers and laughter of his classmates, all directed at Sarika. He felt a deep sense of guilt and regret, knowing he had hurt her. Sarika stopped coming to school, and Prithvi thought about apologising, but his pride got in the way. Then, the unthinkable happened - Sarika's body was found on the backside of the school, leaving Prithvi shattered and consumed by grief.

Prithvi's eyes widened in horror as the reality of Sarika's death sank in. He felt a chill run down his spine, and his heart raced with fear. The weight of his guilt crushed him, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was responsible for her demise.

His dad finally showed up, but Prithvi was too far gone to care. He was consumed by depression, unable to escape the darkness that had descended upon him. He visited a psychiatrist, hoping to find some solace, but the pain lingered.

For over a month, Prithvi struggled to come to terms with what had happened. Sarika's ghost haunted his dreams, her eyes accusing him of abandoning her. He felt like he was drowning in his own guilt, unable to find a lifeline.

His friends, sensing his pain, kept their distance. The silence was deafening, and Prithvi felt like he was losing himself in the abyss of his own mind.

As he returned from his flashback, Prithvi's eyes refocused on Adheeraj's sinister grin. The memories still lingered, a constant reminder of his past mistakes. He knew he had to face the consequences of his actions, but he was unsure if he had the strength to do so.

Adheeraj's sinister grin loomed before him, his eyes glinting with a malevolent light.

"You destroyed her life, Prithvi. Now, it's time to face the consequences." The air was thick with tension, the shadows cast by the dim light seeming to twist and writhe like living things.

"No, no, no...it was a mistake!" Prithvi protested, his voice shaking with desperation. "I didn't insult her that day, trust me! I was unaware of her feelings. I tried to talk to her after that, but..."

Before Prithvi could continue, Adheeraj's voice boomed like a thunderstorm, cutting him off. "I don't trust you, Prithviraj!" he thundered. "My sister wasn't a coward. She was a brave girl. What was her mistake? She only proposed to you that day. She was innocent, unaware of the consequences of the bullying by your friend's group at school."

Adheeraj's eyes blazed with anger, his words dripping with venom. "She stopped going to school after that, but I know my sister. She forgot and moved on. But then, she was found dead behind the school's higher secondary building. You killed my sister, Prithviraj Malhotra. You...only you. I lost my innocent sister because of you. You're a murderer!"

The air was electric with tension as Adheeraj's words hung in the air, accusing Prithvi of a crime he swore he didn't commit. Prithvi's eyes widened in horror, his mind reeling with the consequences of his actions. He knew he had to convince Adheeraj of his innocence, but the words got stuck in his throat.

Adheeraj's eyes blazed with hatred as he confronted Prithvi. "When the principal broke the news to my family, I knew something was wrong. He claimed my sister attempted suicide, but I knew that was a lie. My sister had promised me she would focus on her career and not let anyone bring her down. She was stronger than that."

Adheeraj's voice cracked with emotion as he continued. "I wanted to go to the police, but your father, Abhiram Malhotra, had already covered his tracks. He bribed the authorities and pressured the school to keep the truth hidden. All to protect his precious school's reputation and his idol son's future."

Prithvi's eyes widened in shock, unaware of his father's involvement. He felt guilty, thinking Sarika's attempted suicide was his fault, but he knew he hadn't insulted her.

Adheeraj's anger boiled over. "Just because you're the son of a rich businessman, you think you're above the law? You think you can take away our happiness and get away with it? My mother was shattered, her tears falling every day like rain. She developed depression, her soul crushed by the loss of her daughter. My father, who once loved my sister like a doll, was now a shadow of his former self."

Adheeraj's voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "I won't spare you, Prithviraj Malhotra. You took away my sister, my mother's happiness, and my family's peace. I'll make sure you pay for what you've done. You'll know what it's like to lose everything that matters.”

Prithvi's eyes widened in horror as Adheeraj's words hung in the air like a death sentence. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of guilt and fear, the weight of his actions crushing him beneath its oppressive waves. He knew he hadn't meant to hurt Sarika, but the consequences of his behaviour suffocated him.

Anushka, who had been watching the exchange in silence, felt a wave of emotions wash over her like a tsunami. Shock, sadness, and anger wrestled for dominance as she struggled to process the revelations. She thought of her brother, Prithvi, and how he had always been oblivious to the pain he caused others. Regret washed over her for not being able to protect Sarika, for not seeing the signs.

Anushka's mind recoiled in disbelief as she gazed at Prithvi, her brother, her friend, her confidant. She couldn't reconcile the kind-hearted, gentle soul she knew with the monster Adheeraj's words painted him to be. She mocked herself for thinking there must be another story, another explanation.

Prithvi's father, her uncle Abhiram Malhotra, was behind all of this, she realised. He had prevented the investigation, sacrificing justice for his son's future and public reputation, unaware of the devastating consequences.

"No, there must be another story," she thought, her mind racing with possibilities. "Bhaiya can't be that inhuman."

Anushka's thoughts drifted back to the hospital, where Prithvi lay comatose, his life hanging by a thread. She remembered how Abhiram had insulted Sanyogita, Prithvi's wife, her elder sister-in-law, in the very hospital room where Prithvi fought for his life. The cruel words still echoed in her mind: "You're an unfortunate woman, a mere opportunist who snatched my son away from me."

The memory still burns in her mind, a testament to Abhiram's cruelty and manipulation. And then, there was the night Abhiram kicked out both Prithvi and Sanyogita, banishing them from the family home in the dead of night when Sanyogita wanted to reopen the rape case of her elder sister . The reason still lingered, a painful reminder of Abhiram's control and dominance.

As the memories flooded her mind, Anushka knew that Prithvi couldn't have committed such an inhuman crime. Her brother, the man she knew, couldn't snatch a life. The evidence pointed to one truth: Abhiram's web of deceit and corruption had destroyed lives, and Prithvi was just a pawn in his game.

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]