"Boss… we've found him. You were right… he's in this city!"
Singhania had barely opened his mouth to speak to Bali about Om when one of his men burst into the room, breathless, shouting the news. The moment the words hit the air, Bali's eyes lit up—sharp, hungry, alive.
And then… he laughed.
A loud, chilling, unhinged laugh that seemed to echo through the walls.
"Hahahaha… who do you think can escape Bali? I can drag the dead out of the underworld itself… and he's just a man. Singhania, get your men ready… let's go hunting."
The word hunting didn't sound like a plan—it sounded like a promise of blood.
Without wasting another second, Bali slipped into his coat, still laughing under his breath, and walked out of the farmhouse like a predator who had finally caught the scent. Behind him, Singhania snapped into action, barking orders at his men.
"Move! Everyone, get in the cars—armed. And listen carefully… I don't want a single mistake. If there is one… the only outcome is death."
That was enough.
Men rushed in every direction, loading into multiple vehicles, checking weapons, locking magazines. The air itself felt tense, heavy, like something terrible was about to unfold.
Singhania walked toward the convoy—five cars lined up—and his eyes landed on the middle one.
Inside… Bali sat waiting.
That same cruel smile stretched across his face.
Singhania paused for a second, watching him, and muttered under his breath,
"That demonic laugh of his… looks like someone's death has invited him today. Fine… even if it turns into a festival of blood… let's see how it plays out."
Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the car.
The engines roared to life.
And the hunt… began.
Inside the moving car, lost in his own thoughts, Singhania didn't even realize when Bali had been calling his name.
Once.
Twice.
Thrice.
No response.
And then—
Cold metal touched his head.
Singhania froze.
Slowly, almost mechanically, he turned his head… and his heart nearly stopped.
Bali.
Sitting right beside him.
Gun pressed firmly against his temple.
That same monstrous smile… but now, it felt closer. Deadlier.
"What happened, Singhania? Grown wings, have you? I've been calling you for so long and you didn't answer. Which world were you lost in… hmm? Want me to send you there permanently?"
Singhania's throat went dry. Panic flickered across his face as he forced out the words,
"No… no, Bali brother… I was just thinking… about how to expand my drug business further…"
The moment he said it, he regretted it.
Bali's eyes darkened.
The air inside the car turned suffocating.
Singhania could feel sweat trickling down his back.
He knew… one wrong word, one wrong breath—and he'd be dead before the hunt even began.
At the same time… at Anshika's house.
Om and Anshika stood facing each other.
Silent.
But their eyes… said everything.
Anshika, dressed in a stunning blue party-wear outfit, looked nothing short of breathtaking. The sleeveless one-piece hugged her perfectly, her open black hair falling effortlessly over her shoulders, her lips painted in a soft strawberry red… she looked like a dream.
And Om?
He was completely lost in it.
As if the world had disappeared… and only she existed.
But it wasn't one-sided.
Anshika's condition wasn't any better.
Om stood there in an all-black suit—black shirt, black pants—perfectly fitted over his well-built frame. The slightly open buttons of his shirt added just enough edge to make him look dangerously charming… almost unreal.
For a moment, it felt like time had stopped.
Their gazes locked.
Pulled.
Closer… and closer…
As if the space between them didn't matter anymore.
As if nothing else existed in that room.
They had almost forgotten there was a third person present—
Until—
A soft cough.
Both of them snapped out of it instantly.
Seema stood there.
Watching.
A faint, knowing smile on her lips.
Embarrassment crept in as both Om and Anshika looked away for a second. Anshika quickly walked up to Seema and nudged her lightly with her elbow.
"Such a mood spoiler… honestly."
Seema didn't say anything. She just gave a small, fake smile—but inside, something stirred.
Something she didn't want to name.
Just then, Om stepped forward, holding out a bouquet of flowers toward Anshika, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"These flowers… for a girl just as soft and beautiful as them."
For a second, Anshika froze.
Surprised.
Happy.
And honestly… a little stunned.
Because this side of Om?
Neither she nor Seema had ever seen it before.
The quiet, reserved guy who barely spoke… flirting like this?
Unbelievable.
But as they shared that light, sweet moment… Seema felt something twist inside her chest.
A faint sting of jealousy.
Before she could process it, Om turned toward her—and gently held out a single rose.
"And this one… for another beautiful flower."
Seema blinked.
Then suddenly… she smiled, a soft blush creeping onto her face as she accepted the rose.
For a moment, everything felt… warm.
But only for a moment.
Om then glanced at Anshika and said softly,
"Shall we leave for the hotel? And if you want… Seema, you can join us too."
Seema was caught off guard.
She looked at Om.
Then at Anshika—
Who was silently begging her to say no.
Seema forced a smile.
"No… I've got some work at home. You guys go ahead… enjoy."
And just like that, she stepped back.
Om and Anshika smiled and walked out together, with Seema following them to the door.
She stood there, watching as their car disappeared into the distance.
Her grip tightened around the rose in her hand.
And in a quiet, almost broken voice, she whispered,
"Maybe Anshika was right… we shouldn't hesitate to go after the things we love."
With that, she turned… got into her own car… and drove away.
Meanwhile… at Om's house.
Everything was calm.
Too calm.
Both of Om's uncles were sitting together, talking casually. His three sisters were lost in their phones on the sofa. Sharda was busy with household work. Savita and her son were in their room.
It was a normal evening.
Peaceful.
Ordinary.
And then—
BOOM!
The front door exploded inward.
Wood shattered.
Debris flew across the hall.
The sudden blast sent shockwaves through the entire house. Everyone froze, fear gripping their faces as their eyes darted toward the destroyed entrance.
Savita and her son rushed downstairs, startled by the noise. The moment her eyes landed on the broken door, she was stunned.
But the shock…
Turned into pure horror.
Because someone… was walking in.
Slowly.
Step by step.
Alone.
And the moment Savita saw who it was—
Her eyes widened in absolute terror…