2900+ words

Tumhari yaadon mein jeene ko jee chahta hai,tumhari baahon mein marne ko jee chahta hai,humse door reh kar kya karoge tum,humare bina toh tumhe bhi jeena nahi aayega.

Ashwin's pov:

The police continued their investigation, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence. Meanwhile, we coordinated with Raj and the security team to analyze the footage frame by frame, looking for any clues that could lead us to Anshika.

Raj inserted the USB drive into the projector, casting the footage onto the wall for all of us to see. The room was silent, everyone focused intently on the screen. My heart pounded in my chest as the video began to play, showing the events of that evening.

The footage started with Anshika walking down a corridor, her expression serene but slightly tired. She seemed unaware of the impending danger, just another day in the hospital. Suddenly, her attention was drawn to a small puppy whimpering in a corner. Anshika's kind heart led her to the puppy, and she knelt down, gently patting it.

As she comforted the puppy, a figure emerged from the shadows. He moved swiftly and silently, his face obscured by a mask. He sat down next to Anshika, and although his words were inaudible, the change in Anshika's demeanor was immediate. She stiffened, her eyes widening with fear. The man must have said something truly terrifying because Anshika's reaction was one of pure horror.

She tried to back away, her movements frantic, but the man grabbed her arm, holding her in place. Anshika screamed, her voice ringing out even through the silent footage. She struggled desperately, trying to free herself from his grip. Just then, chaos erupted around them. The sound of gunfire filled the air, and people began to scatter, screaming and running for cover.

Anshika's fear was palpable. She clutched her ears, trying to block out the deafening noise. Her body shook with terror as the masked man dragged her away, disappearing from the camera's view. The shootout continued in the background, bullets flying and people falling. The footage was chaotic and horrifying, a stark reminder of the violence that had taken place.

As the video ended, the room was heavy with silence. The horror of what we had just witnessed hung in the air, each of us processing the events in our own way. My mind raced with questions and fears for Anshika's safety.

"We need to identify that man," I said, my voice steely with determination. "Raj, can you enhance the footage? Maybe we can get a clearer look at his face or some distinguishing features."

Raj nodded, already working on enhancing the video. "I'll do my best," he said, his fingers flying over the keyboard.

Meanwhile, Ansh's phone buzzed. He answered it quickly, speaking in hushed tones to the person on the other end. After a moment, he turned to us. "Our reinforcements are on their way," he announced. "We'll have more eyes and ears on this soon."

I nodded, feeling a small measure of relief. "Good. We need all the help we can get."

Just then, Viyaan, who had been searching the room for any clues, called out. "Look at this," he said, pointing to a small, crumpled piece of paper partially hidden under a chair.

I picked up the paper and unfolded it, revealing a hastily scrawled message: "Meet me at the old warehouse. Midnight. Come alone." The note sent a shiver down my spine.

"Why always that same warehouse?" I gave a thought to it.

"This has to be from Vikram," I said, showing the note to the others. "He's playing a game, and he wants us to follow his rules."

Ansh looked at the note, his jaw clenched. "It's a trap," he said, his voice low. "But we don't have a choice. We have to go."

"This has to be from Vikram," I said, showing the note to the others. "He's playing a game, and he wants us to follow his rules."

Ansh looked at the note, his jaw clenched. "It's a trap," he said, his voice low. "But we don't have a choice. We have to go."

Just then, my phone rang. It was Dadu. I picked it up, trying to keep my voice steady. "Yes, Dadu?"

"Yuvan is here! Come meet him," he said, his voice full of urgency and relief.

I was taken aback. Yuvan, a close family friend who had been living abroad for years, was in India? This unexpected arrival was both surprising and potentially fortuitous. I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "Okay, Dadu. I'll be there soon."

I hung up and turned to Viyaan. "Yuvan is here," I said, trying to convey the gravity of the situation with just a look. "Dadu wants us to meet him."

Viyaan nodded, understanding the implications immediately. Yuvan was not just any friend; he was someone with significant resources and connections. He could be a crucial ally in our fight against Vikram.

As I was about to leave, Ansh stepped in front of me, his expression tense and demanding. "Where are you going?" he asked, his voice edged with frustration and fear.

I exchanged a quick glance with Viyaan before answering. "Home. One of my friends showed up unexpectedly, and Dadu asked me to come meet him."

Ansh's eyes narrowed. "And Anshika?" His voice was almost a growl, filled with the same desperation and anger I felt.

I placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to reassure him. "I will be back, don't worry. Yuvan might be able to help us. This could be a game-changer."

Ansh took a deep breath, his jaw still clenched but he nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But hurry. We don't have much time."

"We'll be back soon," Viyaan assured him, and we turned to leave.

The drive back home was tense. My mind raced with thoughts of Anshika and the note from Vikram. Every second felt like an eternity. When we arrived, the mansion was bustling with activity. The family was gathered in the living room, and in the center stood Yuvan.

Yuvan looked up as we entered, a warm but concerned smile on his face. "Ashwin, Viyaan," he greeted us, pulling us into a hug. "I came as soon as I heard."

"It's good to see you, Yuvan," I said, my voice tight with emotion. "We need your help."

Yuvan's expression grew serious. "Tell me everything."

We quickly filled him in on the situation, explaining Vikram's threats and Anshika's abduction. Yuvan listened intently, his face growing darker with each detail.

"We have a plan," I said, showing him the note. "But we need backup. We need to be ready for anything."

Yuvan nodded, his eyes steely with determination. "I'll mobilize my contacts. We'll get her back, Ashwin. Whatever it takes."

"Thank you," I said, feeling a surge of hope. "We should head back to the hospital. Ansh and the others are waiting."

Yuvan agreed to follow us, and we quickly made our way back to the hospital. The drive was quicker this time, urgency propelling us forward.

When we arrived, Ansh was pacing the hallway, his worry evident. He looked up as we approached, his eyes flicking to Yuvan. "Is this the friend?" he asked, his tone skeptical but hopeful.

"Yes," I replied. "Yuvan has connections that can help us. He's mobilizing resources as we speak."

Ansh nodded, though the worry never left his eyes. "Good. Let's get to work."

As we gathered in the makeshift command center we had set up in the hospital, I turned to Ansh, trying to formulate a plan. "So what are we supposed to do now?" I asked, my voice steady but tense.

Ansh's eyes burned with determination. "Do? I'm going to Vikram's mansion, of course," he said, his tone resolute.

"No, you can't," Viyaan interjected sharply. "We all know that's a trap."

Ansh whirled on him, his face contorted with frustration and anger. "So what are we supposed to do, huh? Sit and have chips with Coke? She's my sister!" His voice rose with each word, the pain and fear palpable.

Yuvan stepped in, his voice calm and authoritative. "Calm down, Ansh—"

"What the fuck do you mean, 'Calm down'?!" Ansh shouted, his eyes flashing. He turned to me, his voice breaking with emotion. "Ashwin, it was my mistake that I trusted you! And you're so chill, like for real?"

I felt a pang of guilt and helplessness. "Ansh, we're doing everything we can. We have to be strategic about this. Charging in there won't help Anshika."

Ansh took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions. "I can't just sit here and do nothing."

"We won't," Yuvan said firmly. "We need a plan. We need to outsmart Vikram, not play into his hands."

Raj, who had been quietly working at the computer, spoke up. "I think I have something." He turned the screen towards us, showing enhanced footage from the hospital's security cameras. "Look here," he pointed to a figure in the background. "This person was watching Anshika before the chaos started. He might be one of Vikram's men."

We all leaned in, scrutinizing the footage. The figure was partially obscured, but his posture and movements were deliberate, calculating.

"Can we track him?" I asked, hope flickering in my chest.

Raj nodded. "I'll need some time, but I can enhance the footage further and try to track his movements."

"Do it," Yuvan said. "In the meantime, we need to prepare. Ansh, you're right. We can't just sit here. But we can't go in blind either."

Ansh looked torn, his fists clenched. "Fine. What's the plan then?"

"We'll divide our efforts," Yuvan said. "Raj and his team will continue analyzing the footage and tracking any leads. We'll prepare a team to approach Vikram's mansion, but we won't go in until we have a solid strategy."

"Agreed," I said, feeling a sense of purpose. "Ansh, we need you focused. Your sister needs us all at our best."

Ansh nodded reluctantly. "Alright. Let's get to work."

As we dove into our tasks, the tension in the room was thick. The clock was ticking, and every second counted. I coordinated with Yuvan, detailing our resources and potential strategies. Viyaan worked with Raj, cross-referencing the footage with known associates of Vikram.

Hours passed in a blur of activity. The hospital was a constant reminder of the chaos Vikram had caused, but we couldn't afford to be distracted. We had to stay focused.

Finally, Raj called us over. "I think I've got a lead," he said, his voice tinged with excitement. "I've tracked the figure to a warehouse on the outskirts of the city. It's a known hideout for Vikram's men."

"That's our next move," Yuvan said. "We'll send a reconnaissance team to scope it out. If we confirm Anshika's there, we move in."

Ansh was already on his feet. "I'm going."

"No," Yuvan said firmly. "We need you here, coordinating. If we find Anshika, you'll be the first to know, and we'll move in together."

Ansh hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. But no delays."

I placed a hand on his shoulder. "We won't waste any time. We'll bring her back, Ansh. I promise."

The atmosphere in the room was electric with urgency and determination. Yuvan took charge, swiftly organizing the reconnaissance team. Raj continued his work on tracking movements and gathering intel, ensuring we had every possible advantage.

As we made our final preparations, I glanced around the room. The faces of my family and friends were etched with worry but also with fierce determination. We were united in our goal: bringing Anshika home safely.

Yuvan briefed the reconnaissance team, detailing the plan to scout the warehouse. "We need eyes on the ground," he said, his tone authoritative. "In and out, no engagement unless absolutely necessary. Once we have confirmation, we move in with full force."

The team nodded, understanding the gravity of their mission. As they prepared to leave, I turned to Ansh. "Stay here and keep coordinating with Raj and Yuvan. I'll go with the team."

Ansh hesitated, then agreed. "Be careful, Ashwin."

"I will," I promised, giving him a reassuring nod.

As we headed out, the tension in the air was palpable. We piled into the vehicles, our minds focused on the task ahead. The drive to the warehouse was tense and silent, each of us lost in our thoughts. My heart pounded with a mix of fear and determination. Vikram had taken Anshika, and I would do whatever it took to get her back.

Upon arriving at the warehouse, we parked a safe distance away and moved cautiously towards our target. The warehouse loomed in the distance, an imposing structure that seemed to radiate malevolence. We split into smaller teams, each taking a different approach to surround the building.

I motioned to one of the team members to take point, and we advanced carefully. The area around the warehouse was eerily quiet, adding to the tension. We reached the perimeter and began our surveillance, looking for any signs of movement or activity.

Minutes felt like hours as we watched and waited. Then, one of the team members signaled, having spotted something. I moved closer to get a better view. Through a gap in the warehouse wall, I saw shadows moving inside. There were definitely people in there, and from the looks of it, they were armed.

I relayed the information back to Yuvan and Raj via our secure comms. "We have movement inside the warehouse. Armed personnel. No visual on Anshika yet."

"Understood," Yuvan replied. "Hold your position. We're preparing to move in once we have more intel."

Just then, my phone buzzed. It was a call from my Dadu. I answered quickly, whispering, "Yes, Dadu?"

There was a moment of hesitation before I heard Dadu's trembling voice. "Ashwin... Be-beta..."

Suddenly, a sinister laugh echoed through the line, making my blood run cold. "Wh-Who are you?" I demanded, my voice trembling. Viyaan, sensing the shift in my demeanor, looked at me with concern.

The laughter continued, even more malevolent. "Don't you know me? Well, you will after a few moments."

"Vi-Vikram," I said, my shock evident in my voice. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. Ansh, who had been listening in on the conversation, tensed up. His eyes widened with fury.

"Oh, you figured it out so early. Phew, I don't have to speak much," Vikram taunted, his voice dripping with malice.

"What have you done with Dadu?" I demanded, my heart pounding.

Vikram chuckled. "Your Dadu is fine... for now. I just needed to get your attention. And it seems to have worked."

"What do you want?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Isn't it obvious? I want to see you all suffer. I want you to feel the same pain and fear that I've felt. And it starts with Anshika," Vikram's tone turned colder. "If you want to see her alive, you'll have to play by my rules."

Ansh couldn't contain his rage any longer. "You bastard! If you hurt her, I swear I'll—"

Vikram interrupted with another laugh. "Temper, temper, Ansh. You're not in a position to make threats. Just know that every move you make is being watched. You'll follow my instructions if you want to keep Anshika and your precious Dadu safe."

I clenched my fist, feeling helpless and enraged. "What do you want us to do?"

"Simple," Vikram replied. "You'll receive further instructions soon. Until then, sit tight and pray that your loved ones remain unharmed. Oh, and Ashwin... don't even think about involving the police. You know what I'm capable of."

The line went dead, leaving a chilling silence in its wake. I looked at Viyaan, who was equally stunned. Ansh's face was a mask of fury, his hands shaking with barely contained anger.

"We need to regroup," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Yuvan, Ansh, Viyaan—we need to figure out our next move. We can't let Vikram control this game."

Yuvan nodded, his expression grim. "We need to stay one step ahead of him. Let's gather everyone and formulate a plan."

As we returned to the main room, I felt a mix of fear and determination. Vikram had made his move, but we weren't going to let him win. We were a family, and we would fight together to bring Anshika and Dadu back safely.

Inside the room, Dadi, along with my parents and Noha, looked at us with anxious eyes. Noha, my cousin, stood close by, her face pale with worry.

"What happened?" Dadi asked, her voice shaking.

"Vikram has them," I said bluntly, feeling a wave of guilt as their expressions turned to shock and fear. "He's playing a game with us. But we won't let him win. We'll get them back."

Everyone nodded, though the fear was evident in their eyes. Yuvan stepped forward, his calm demeanor helping to steady us all. "We need to act smart. Vikram is trying to provoke us, but if we stay united and focused, we can outmaneuver him."

Ansh looked at me, his eyes burning with determination. "What's the plan, Ashwin?"

"We gather all the intel we can. We use every resource at our disposal. And we prepare for whatever Vikram throws at us," I replied, my voice firm.

After everyone left, I retreated to my room, needing a moment to myself. I grabbed a drink and sank into a chair, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. How was it possible that Vikram was always one step ahead? Why did it always have to be Anshika? Why not any other member of the family?

I took a long sip, the alcohol burning my throat but doing little to ease the turmoil in my mind. Memories of happier times with Anshika flooded back, making the current reality even harder to bear. She had always been the light in our family, her laughter infectious and her spirit indomitable. And now, she was in the hands of a madman, her fate uncertain.

The thought of Vikram's twisted games made my blood boil. He had always been jealous, always trying to tear us down. But this time, he had gone too far. I would do whatever it took to bring Anshika back, to make Vikram pay for his crimes.

As I sat there, lost in thought, I realized that this wasn't just about revenge for me.

It is important for my family!