(Vivaan's POV)
One hour left for the meeting.
My patience was wearing thin.
I stared at the phone again. Worthless. It's been exactly ten hours fifty-eight minutes since Naina called me.
Since I got the last update of Kruthi and it wasn't positive at all.
I unclasped my cufflink and flicked it across the room. It struck the wall and disappeared beneath the cabinet.
My jaw tightened reflexively.
I looked at the phone again.
A pause.
And... still nothing.
I rubbed my forehead to clear away the stress lines and finally made a call to the head of the guards.
"The head of security speaking." A voice came from other side.
I counted till ten before finally speaking on the call.
"Why is there no update about Kruthi?"
"Sir, we have searched all the locations you asked and tried to track her phone, but it is switched off."
"The company?"
"Yes, sir. Checked."
"Mansion?"
"Checked sir."
"Her college?"
"Checked."
"Her home?"
"Checked that too, sir."
"Then find all the places possible. Check the cameras and..."
"Sir we did. According to the CCTV she didn't leave the mansion throughout the day."
This time...
I couldn't respond.
I clenched my jaw. Then loosened it with a deep heavy breath.
The door opened suddenly followed by clicking of footsteps.
"Sir, the meeting begins in fifty-eight minutes."
I didn't look up.
My eyes remained fixed on the city beyond the glass.
"Cancel it."
Silence.
"...Sir?"
"Prepare my return."
"But the board—"
"Family emergency."
A pause.
"It's regarding my wife."
The hesitation disappeared immediately.
"Yes, sir."
This was a valid reason. Especially when Kruthi was exposed to media as my wife.
I went to the corner, picked up the thrown cufflink and stood up.
A pause. A thought.
I shook it off. I need to search this issue myself. I checked my phone one last time. a last moment message, or else, my departure was final.
None.
"Sir, the private jet is ready."
I nodded and went from there with paced footsteps.
Ten hours.
Ten unnecessary hours.
I adjusted my wristwatch before settling into the seat.
Strange.
For the first time...
I wanted the journey to end before it had properly begun.
I disliked that feeling.
It lacked reason.
"Excuse me."
The flight attendant looked toward me almost immediately.
Surprise crossed her face.
Understandable.
I rarely asked for anything.
"Sleeping pills."
"Certainly, sir."
She returned within moments with a glass of water and the medication.
I swallowed two tablets without hesitation.
Thinking had reached its limit.
Sleeping was the more productive option.
I closed my eyes.
Whether sleep arrived...
was an entirely different matter.
I started looking out of the window.
Serene.
Unlike the turmoil raging inside me.
A sigh.
I leaned my head back on the seat.
'Where are you Kruthi?'
Hours passed.
A tap on my shoulder.
"Sir, we are here."
I didn't realise I was asleep.
Stranger.
I nodded and rushed out from the private jet.
Again.
An array of guards.
A car waiting.
But this time, I didn't glance at them.
Didn't have to. I headed straight to the car and called Mirhan, the only person I trusted could help at these extreme moments.
"Mirhaan, Kruthi is missing. My guards are unable to find her."
"Got informed moments back by the security's head. She didn't go out of the mansion."
"That's what they are saying."
"I checked the CCTV footage myself."
A pause.
Mirhaan was there...if he was saying this, then I have no doubt anymore.
"Search the entire mansion. I am arriving."
"The meeting?"
I could sense the surprise in his tone which wasn't a positive one at all.
Why wouldn't he be?
I never cancelled my meetings.
"Yes."
"Alright."
I hung up the call.
For the last time I called my security head.
"Any update?"
"We are utmost ashamed to..."
"Cut off. Final answer."
A pause.
A gulp.
"N-no sir."
I hung up that call again.
The mansion came into view. Its whitewashed walls stood exactly where I had left them.
Without any moment paused I rushed inside the mansion.
The family members were scattered.
Some in their room and some in the hall.
"See, now we are not even able to go to our rooms." Mirhaan's mother or if I say informally, my chachi ji said rolling her eyes.
"Arre, when you give the property and power to such an arrogant heir, that's what happens." Chhoti chachi ji taunted.
And hence we go again at the array of envy from the family.
I opened my mouth to respond.
But closed it again.
Kruthi.
Mirhaan soon joined me from those scattered guards.
"Couldn't find her at ground floor."
"First floor?"
"Searching."
Then a heavy unwelcoming voice came.
"It is said that a cheater always a cheater. First, she cheated on Rushaan, and then on you. Very normal for such gold diggers."
Rushaan's father.
The man I hated with all my heart.
A greedy, ill mannered, aged kid.
"What can be expected from you? the great Rushaan's father."
His expression faded.
"What wrong did I say?"
I paused my steps.
Turned around.
And glared at him.
"What right did you ever say?"
He was silenced.
Good.
"Bhaiya, where's Bhabhi?"
Naina's eyes were moist.
She had cried.
My gaze lingered on her for a second longer than necessary.
Then I looked away.
"Vivaan, you left her here only right? Infact last night also she was here..." Ayesha stepped forward and held Naina to calm her down.
I looked around the hall.
Everyone was there.
Rushaan's parents, badi dadi, bua ji, Chhote chacha chachi...
except one...
Last time, during my absence- only one person bothered her.
And he, was not being seen around.
Not atleast now...
I scanned again before confirming.
Mirhaan was already looking at me, my eyes burning with barely suppressed anger.
Then...
Involuntarily, my voice dropped three octaves lower.
"Where's Rushaan?"