"Reborn in the Movie Universe: Continuation"

[KRISHNA'S POV]

The clock struck 10 PM, but the night felt far from over. The living room was dimly lit, the soft hum of the television filling the silence between Brahma and me. We sat side by side, our eyes fixed on the glowing screen. The news played on, relentlessly cycling through the day's events. A familiar figure appeared—Aunt Vasundhara, draped in her signature elegance, taking the oath as the new Law Minister of Telangana.

The anchor's voice was a constant drone in the background, narrating her rise to power. I let out a sigh and shook my head.

The scene shifted. The coverage turned to yesterday's events—the tragic death of Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister, PKR. The footage was unrelenting: a somber cremation ceremony, the flicker of flames, and the faces of mourners frozen in grief. Then, the camera panned to me, standing silently among the crowd. The anchor's tone shifted, tinged with speculation.

"Mr.Krishna's sudden appearance at the cremation has raised many questions. What role will he play in the state's political landscape? And what is his connection to Mr.Brahma?"

The commentary felt invasive, a dissection of my actions and motives for the world to consume. The screen filled with footage of me walking through the cremation site, my face calm but resolute. They analyzed every glance, every gesture, spinning theories as if they knew me.

I leaned back, running a hand through my hair as the noise continued. Brahma sat beside me, his posture rigid, his face unreadable. He had always been good at masking his emotions, but I could sense the tension radiating from him. He hadn't spoken a word since the news began, and neither had I. There was nothing to say, not yet.

Athreya and the others had left for Mumbai early this morning. I'd sent them off with clear instructions and a promise of support. Yet, as the hours ticked by, my phone remained silent. No updates from Athreya. No word from Daniyal.

As I was lost in my thoughts, my phone buzzed, breaking the heavy silence in the room. I glanced at the caller ID—Daniyal. My gaze flicked toward Brahma, who was already watching me intently. Without a word, I nodded at him and picked up the call.

The moment the call connected, Daniyal's voice came through, lively and sharp. "Boss, as expected from you. The people you sent are really something else. They've been more than useful."

I exhaled deeply, cutting through his initial enthusiasm. "Daniyal, skip the pleasantries. What did you find?"

The enthusiasm in his voice faded, replaced by a grim seriousness. A brief silence followed before he finally spoke. "It's Lucas," he said, his tone sharp. "He's the one pulling the strings. He sent his man, Abdul, to India to establish a drug operation. Today, Jaidev and Narayana Verma met with him. The meeting's purpose was funding—Lucas is providing financial backing to Jaidev to help him secure the Chief Minister's position in Andhra Pradesh."

I leaned forward, gripping the phone tightly. "And what's Jaidev offering in return for this funding?"

The pause on Daniyal's end was long enough to set my nerves on edge. When he finally spoke, his voice was heavy. "He sold Andhra Pradesh."

Those four words dropped like a thunderclap in the room. The air turned still, oppressive. I glanced at Brahma, whose face was shadowed in fury. His jaw clenched, his hands balled into fists. This wasn't just business—it was deeply personal. PKR, Brahma's father, had treated Andhra Pradesh like his child, dedicating his life to its prosperity. And now, Jaidev had sold it like a commodity.

I tightened my grip on the phone, my voice steady but cold. "Continue."

Daniyal didn't hesitate. "Jaidev promised Lucas Z-category protection for smuggling drugs into the state. He assured Lucas's people that they could sell any drug, anytime, without interference. And one more thing..." Daniyal paused, as if choosing his next words carefully. "Jaidev also agreed to arrange for a drug production plant to be set up in Andhra."

I exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of my nose to rein in the frustration bubbling within me. This wasn't just a betrayal—it was a direct assault on everything PKR had built.

"And Lucas?" I asked, my tone sharp.

"Lucas is the supplier," Daniyal confirmed. "He's the man behind the drug operations in India. The one we've been hunting for. We've got all his locations. If you give the order, we can take him out."

I thought for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. Eliminating Lucas now would be the easy choice, but it wouldn't address the bigger picture. We needed to dismantle his network completely.

"For now, hold off," I said firmly. "Stay close, watch every move he makes, and wait for my order."

"Yes, Boss," Daniyal replied without hesitation.

But I wasn't done. My voice hardened, cutting through the tension. "Daniyal, one more thing. You know I don't tolerate delays. This information took too long to reach me. I trust this won't happen again."

There was a heavy silence on the other end of the line, as if Daniyal was carefully weighing his next words. Finally, he spoke, his usual playfulness stripped away, replaced by an edge of respect and seriousness. "Yes, Krishna."

I cut the call without another word, placing the phone on the table beside me. The tension in the room hung thick, the only sound coming from the low hum of the television. Without turning to Brahma, I broke the silence. "I thought no mafia or gangster would dare set foot in India, knowing this is your and Deva's territory. But it seems I was wrong."

Brahma's gaze remained fixed on the TV, his expression unreadable. After a moment, Brahma spoke, his voice calm but laced with a quiet fury. "It seems so. I thought my name was enough to keep the underworld in check. Perhaps my terror has faded in my absence." He paused, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Maybe it's time for my return. The Godfather might have to remind them who he is."

I couldn't help but smile at his words, a mixture of amusement and anticipation flickering through me. "It seems we've been gone too long. They've grown bold, forgotten who we are. Maybe a comeback is overdue."

Brahma finally turned to look at me, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. "Next month. Paris. We'll start there."

I nodded, leaning back into the sofa. "Paris, then. It'll be a good beginning. Let's remind them why no one crosses our paths."

For the first time in the evening, the tension began to lift, replaced by a shared understanding. As I sat brooding over the upcoming chaos, my phone buzzed again, interrupting the momentary calm. I picked it up, noticing the number was unknown. A smirk tugged at my lips—I had a hunch about what this call was about.

Answering it, I spoke curtly, "What does the report say?"

A cold, steady voice on the other end replied, "She's highly addicted to drugs."

I let out a soft sigh, my suspicions confirmed. "Okay," I replied simply before hanging up and slipping the phone back into my pocket. Without another word, I stood up, adjusting my jacket. My movements caught Brahma's attention, his sharp gaze locking onto me.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with curiosity.

I smiled faintly, a glimmer of mischief in my eyes as I answered, "I'm going to kidnap someone."

Brahma's brow furrowed in confusion, and his expression shifted into one of wary concern. "Who?" he asked, his tone demanding clarity.

Turning to him with an unapologetic grin, I said, "Your younger sister, Jhanvi."

His eyes widened in disbelief, and in an instant, he was on his feet. "Wait—what? Why?" he demanded, his voice sharp, laced with confusion.

I chuckled softly at his reaction. "You'll understand later," I said, brushing past him with a confidence that left no room for argument.

"Krishna!" Brahma's voice followed me as I strode toward the door, but I didn't stop. I could feel his gaze boring into my back, heavy with questions and unspoken protests.

This wasn't something I could explain right now. Janavi was spiraling into darkness, and if we didn't act fast, there might be no saving her. I knew Brahma would understand, eventually. But for now, I had to take matters into my own hands.

The cool night air greeted me as I stepped outside, the weight of the night's responsibilities pressing down on my shoulders. The plan was already set in motion, and there was no turning back. I slid into the driver's seat of my car, the engine roaring to life. As I sped into the night, my thoughts were sharp, my resolve unshakable.

Jhanvi may not realize it yet, but this was the first step toward pulling her out of the abyss.

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[3RD PERSON POV]

Inside the sprawling Satyapriya household, the air seemed heavy with silence. The dim light from a single lamp illuminated Jhanvi's room, where she stood nervously, clutching a book to her chest. Across from her stood Jaidev, her brother-in-law, his sharp gaze fixed on her with a predatory intensity.

"Jhanvi," he said smoothly, stepping closer, his voice dripping with a false charm. "Is that a new perfume you're wearing?"

Jhanvi stiffened at the question, her grip on the book tightening. "No," she replied, her voice barely audible, her unease evident. She tried to take a step back, but before she could, Jaidev's hand shot out, snaking around her waist and pulling her roughly toward him.

"Jai, let go," she protested, her voice trembling as she squirmed against his hold. His proximity made her skin crawl, but he didn't seem to care.

Jaidev smirked, leaning in closer, his breath warm against her ear. "You should thank me" he murmured, his tone mocking as his hand slid down her back.

Fear flared in Jhanvi's eyes, and she pushed harder against him, struggling to free herself. "I said let go!" she repeated, louder this time, but Jaidev ignored her, his grip tightening. His hand moved lower, inching toward her hips, his touch invasive and unwelcome.

In a surge of panic and adrenaline, Jhanvi shoved him back with all her strength. The force caught Jaidev off guard, making him stumble slightly. The book she had been clutching fell to the floor with a loud thud as she backed away, her chest rising and falling with rapid, shallow breaths.

Jaidev straightened his suit, brushing off the wrinkles as if nothing had happened. His smirk returned, though his eyes betrayed a hint of frustration. "Let's plan this later," he said coolly, as though the encounter was nothing more than an inconvenience.

Jhanvi swallowed her anger and fear, her voice cold. "Good night." She stepped forward, closing the door firmly in his face, her hands trembling as she gripped the handle. For a moment, she stood there, leaning against the door, her heart pounding in her chest. The sound of Jaidev's footsteps fading down the hall brought a small sense of relief, but the unease lingered.

Her eyes fell to the book on the floor. Taking a deep breath, she bent down, picked it up, and walked toward her bed. She sat down, the mattress sinking slightly under her weight, and flipped the book open with hesitant fingers.

Tucked inside its pages was a small packet of drugs—something Jaidev had given her earlier under the guise of "helping her relax." Jhanvi's hand trembled as she stared at the packet, her thoughts a whirlwind of fear, shame, and self-loathing.

Her phone buzzed with a notification, pulling her attention momentarily. She unlocked it and tapped on Krishna's latest song, Ek Din Aap. The soft, soulful melody filled the room, a stark contrast to the turmoil in her heart. She set the phone down beside her and looked back at the packet.

The song's lyrics spoke of hope and resilience, a reminder of brighter days and strength in adversity. Yet, as the music enveloped her, Jhanvi's eyes remained fixated on the packet. Her fingers hovered over it, shaking as if caught in an invisible tug-of-war.

Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision. The weight of the song's final notes resonated in the silence that followed, amplifying the stillness in the room. With a trembling breath, she closed the book over the packet and placed it aside, untouched.

Her hands fell to her lap as a single tear traced its way down her cheek. She stared blankly ahead, the silence pressing down on her like an unbearable burden. More tears followed, quiet and unrelenting, until she finally curled into herself on the bed.

The stillness of the room was shattered by a voice, smooth yet filled with an amused undertone. "Well, I didn't know you liked listening to my songs. Truth be told, I'm surprised."

Jhanvi froze, her heart leaping into her throat as the voice echoed through the quiet. Her breath caught, and her body instinctively tensed. She shot up from the bed, glancing wildly around the room, her hands gripping a nearby flower pot for protection. The suddenness of the voice had thrown her completely off guard.

"Who's there?" she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Then she saw him. There, in the corner of the room, sitting casually in a chair as if he belonged there, was Krishna. He was eating popcorn, his posture relaxed, an easy smile curling at his lips as his eyes met hers. The sight of him sent a jolt through her, her eyes widening in disbelief.

"Kr-Krishna?" she stammered, her nerves twisting into a knot.

"One and only," Krishna replied smoothly, his tone light, almost teasing.

Jhanvi blinked, still processing what was happening. Her pulse raced in her ears, her hands trembling slightly as she set the flower pot back down on the nightstand, too nervous to keep holding it. Her mind raced, trying to piece together how he had gotten there, why he was here.

"How did you get here? Why didn't I notice you? What do you want?" Her voice cracked with a mix of confusion and rising panic. She had so many questions, but they all tumbled out in a rush, too fast to form coherent sentences.

Krishna set the popcorn aside, a playful glint in his eyes as he stood and took a step forward, his movement slow, deliberate, yet full of confidence.

"Stop, stop, so many questions," he said with a smile, raising one hand in mock surrender, as if trying to calm her down. His voice was light, but there was something in the air, something unnerving in the way he seemed so unfazed by everything.

Jhanvi's heart pounded harder, the nerves gnawing at her as she instinctively took a step back. "Don't come close," she blurted out, her voice shaking.

Krishna's smile grew wider as he watched Jhanvi's nervous movements. Without missing a beat, he casually sat down on her bed, leaning back as though he was making himself comfortable in a place he had every right to be. His presence, so unexpected and bold.

"Well, well, are you scared?" Krishna's voice was playful. "And here I thought you were a beautiful princess, trapped in a castle guarded by a dragon, waiting for your prince to come and save you. But look at you now—listening to my songs, seeing me, and even putting the flower pot away," he teased, his words slipping out with a casual confidence that seemed to unsettle her even more.

Jhanvi didn't respond. Instead, she stared down at her hands, holding tightly to the hem of her night pants, her fingers trembling. She was overwhelmed—by the suddenness of his presence, by the weight of his words, and by the implications of what he was saying. She couldn't find her voice, couldn't find the words to say in the face of this unsettling reality.

Krishna noticed her silence, his grin widening as he leaned back, clearly enjoying the unease he was causing. "You know, to answer your question, how I got here," he continued, his tone suddenly turning matter-of-fact, "well, truth to be told, the security in this place is a joke. I have my ways, my own methods, and when I want to get somewhere, I get there." He paused, his eyes gleaming with a amusement. "As for why you didn't notice me, well, it's actually simple—I didn't want you to. But now? Now, I want you to notice me. I want you to understand why I'm here."

Jhanvi's breath hitched. "Why… why are you here?" Her voice was barely a whisper, her mind struggling to make sense of the situation. Her heart hammered in her chest as the answer began to take shape, though she wasn't sure if she was ready to hear it.

Krishna leaned forward slightly, his expression shifting to something more serious. "Well, it's simple," he said, the edge to his voice cutting through the tension in the room. "I'm here to kidnap you." He said it so casually, as though it were the most normal thing in the world. "I found something interesting about you, something that piqued my interest. And when the report came through, I was surprised—turns out, the girl is addicted to drugs."

Krishna's gaze softened for a moment, watching as Jhanvi stood there, her tears falling freely now. He could see the pain and confusion in her eyes, the way her hands clutched the fabric of her night pants, as though it were the only thing keeping her grounded in the midst of this whirlwind of emotions.

As he continued speaking, Jhanvi's mind raced, her heart aching with a mixture of fear and helplessness. "And for your last question," Krishna's voice was low and steady, "I've been here for quite a while now. Before Jaidev even walked through that door."

Her breath caught in her throat. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with disbelief, and she saw the flicker of truth in his gaze. He had been here all along...

Tears blurred her vision as they fell in an endless stream. The weight of everything she had kept buried for so long came rushing to the surface. The guilt, the shame, the fear—all of it came crashing down on her as the truth seeped through her defenses, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable.

Jhanvi's voice trembled as she whispered, "It's not my fault. Jaidev... he made me addicted to it." She choked on the words, her chest tight with emotion. "He tries to molest me every time. I'm not like that, Krishna. I didn't want any of this."

Her knees felt weak. She could feel the weight of everything she had kept hidden from the world pressing on her chest. She had wanted to tell someone, anyone, but the fear of not being believed—of being misunderstood—had kept her silent for so long.

"I wanted to tell Didi," Jhanvi continued, her voice breaking, "but I knew she wouldn't believe me. Even if I said it. And I wanted to tell Brahma Bhaiyya too, but I'm scared. I'm not like this, Krishna. Please, believe me. I'm not... like this."

Krishna was taken aback by Jhanvi's trust. He had expected fear, resistance, maybe even hostility, but not this—this vulnerability, this openness. He could see it in her eyes, the way she wasn't just speaking out of desperation, but with a raw honesty that caught him off guard. He'd expected a fight, but instead, she seemed to be laying her soul bare before him. Why is she trusting me? he thought, the question lingering in his mind.

It was rare for someone to be so transparent, so willing to confide in him, especially when he had made it clear that his intentions were far from innocent. And yet, here she was, trembling but trusting, her tears soaking her cheeks as she confessed her worst fears and regrets. Krishna couldn't deny the strange feeling that stirred inside him—something he didn't expect to feel for a girl he had only just met.

But there was more to this story. Krishna had been in the business of reading people for a long time, and he could sense that there was something deeper beneath Jhanvi's words, something she wasn't saying. The way she looked at him, as if she was seeing a piece of something she had been searching for all along—it didn't make sense. But Krishna didn't know that Jhanvi had followed his career, had kept up with his every move on social media, and in her own quiet way, she had fallen for him.

Jhanvi's phone gallery was filled with his pictures—pictures she had collected over the years, obsessively saved in secret, because she was too afraid to admit to anyone how much she admired him. Even her phone's screen lock had his face on it. To him, Jhanvi was just another girl caught in the tangled mess, and yet here she was, offering him something far more precious than he expected—trust.

(A/N: Honestly speaking, I'm not sure why I added Jhanvi when writing this chapter. Suddenly, I remembered the scene the sister's on the bed. I don't want to go too deep into it, but I hope you understand what I mean if you are man of culture. Another thing—she's a beautiful character, and in the movie, she faces a lot of struggles. First, Jaidev molests her, then she becomes drug addicted, and she experiences loneliness and depression. So, I thought, why not? But hey, readers, please let me know your thoughts.)

Seeing the expression on her face, Krishna softened. His tone was no longer mocking or distant, but genuine. "I know," he said, his voice steady yet reassuring, a slight smile pulling at the corner of his lips. "Don't worry. Your suffering is over now."

Jhanvi stared at him, her wide eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and disbelief. He believes me? The realization washed over her, and for the first time in what felt like forever, a flicker of hope began to burn in her chest. It was a strange feeling, almost foreign to her.

Her voice was small, but it carried a weight that Krishna couldn't ignore. "But… why are you here to save me, Krishna?" Her words held a mix of relief and lingering confusion, as if she were trying to comprehend why he, of all people, would care enough to step into her world, her mess, and offer his help.

Krishna leaned back slightly, a mischievous smile playing at the edges of his lips as he looked at Jhanvi. His voice had that familiar teasing tone, but there was something more—something raw beneath it. "I think you didn't understand, sweetie," he said with a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes, "I'm here to kidnap you."

Jhanvi didn't respond immediately. She just stood there, her gaze fixed on the floor, her hands gripping the edge of her night pants. Her body was still trembling slightly, the weight of everything—Jaidev's cruelty, her fears, and the strange situation she found herself in—pressing down on her. Her silence hung in the air, heavy and uncertain, and Krishna couldn't help but notice the vulnerability in her posture.

Krishna's smile faltered, and he sighed, exasperated but oddly amused. "Well," he continued, the edge of sarcasm creeping into his voice, "I thought you were a good and beautiful girl, so I came to save you. Just kidding, I'm here because I want something."

But Jhanvi's mind seemed to latch onto only the first part of his words. The compliment, the fleeting acknowledgment of her beauty—it was all she had heard. Her eyes flickered up to meet his for the briefest moment, and there was a softness there, an unspoken gratitude that she didn't know how to express.

However, Krishna noticed the way she ignored the rest of his words—the truth behind his intentions.

There was an awkward pause. Krishna tilted his head slightly, still studying her. He hadn't expected this response. He'd never met anyone who would casually accept the idea of being kidnapped, let alone someone as fragile as Jhanvi. "So, are you coming with me willingly, or should I..." His sentence trailed off, but his voice had a teasing, almost playful tone, though it didn't feel playful at all.

Before he could finish, Jhanvi, still looking down, murmured softly, almost to herself, "Okay, you can kidnap me."

Krishna stopped in his tracks, his expression shifting to one of disbelief. He stared at her, trying to gauge whether she was joking, but her eyes remained firmly cast downward, as though she had already accepted her fate without question.

The room felt colder, quieter, and Krishna couldn't shake the feeling that there was something deeper happening here, something he hadn't quite figured out. He let out a slow breath, trying to find the words, but all that came out was, "I've never met a girl who would tell her kidnapper to kidnap her with... no problem."

Jhanvi didn't answer, only continued to look at the ground, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. Her vulnerability was so raw, so real, that Krishna felt an unfamiliar pang in his chest. He had expected her to cry, to beg, or at least show some defiance. But instead, there was only this quiet acceptance. It unsettled him more than he cared to admit.

Sighing, Krishna shook his head, the amusement in his eyes slowly fading. He walked over to the corner of the room where the popcorn was still sitting, still warm. Without a word, he bent down and carefully placed a folded note underneath the bowl, his fingers brushing the cool surface of the table.

"What is that?" Jhanvi asked nervously, her voice barely above a whisper. She finally lifted her gaze, her eyes following the movement of Krishna's hand.

Krishna's lips curved into a teasing smile as he looked at Jhanvi, her nervous eyes still fixed on the note he had placed under the popcorn bowl. "Those," he said lightly, with a wink, "are my demands. After all, I'm kidnapping you."

Jhanvi froze for a moment, her brow furrowing in confusion. "B-but... you're already rich," she stammered, her voice trembling. She didn't understand. If he was rich, what could he possibly want from her? What kind of demands could he have?

Krishna chuckled softly, his voice carrying a playful yet enigmatic tone. "My demands aren't about money, sweetie," he replied smoothly. "Anyway, let's go."

Jhanvi's mind raced, but before she could process what was happening, a wave of panic flooded over her. "B-but how are we going to get out?" she asked nervously. "The house is full of security, and some of them are Jaidev's men... they'll notice."

Krishna turned toward her with that familiar smile of his, an expression that seemed to hold secrets just beneath the surface. "Like I said before," he said, his voice still calm, "the security here is useless. And how we're going to get out... is simple."

Before Jhanvi could react, Krishna moved swiftly. In a single motion, he scooped her up effortlessly, lifting her onto his shoulder as though she weighed nothing. The suddenness of it left Jhanvi breathless, her heart thumping in her chest. She hadn't expected him to be so... confident, so certain. It took her a moment to adjust to the unexpected shift in position, and though she was surprised and nervous, she couldn't find the words to protest. She just held onto him instinctively, her fingers curling into his jacket for support.

"Just like this," Krishna said, his voice a mixture of amusement and certainty. His eyes twinkled as he glanced down at her for a brief second, and then he started toward the window.

Jhanvi's heart lurched in her chest. "Wait—!" she managed to gasp, but before she could finish the sentence, Krishna leaped out of the window, landing nimbly on the ground below.

The air rushed around them, the wind whipping through Jhanvi's hair as they descended. Her breath caught in her throat, and the suddenness of it all left her panicked and breathless. Her body stiffened in shock, and without thinking, a scream tore from her lips, loud and piercing. The sound echoed through the night, breaking the stillness of the moment.

As Krishna landed gracefully, his feet hitting the ground with the softness of someone who had done this a thousand times, he looked at her with mild surprise. His smile faltered just for a moment, and he glanced at her over his shoulder. "Why did you shout?" he asked, his voice low and amused, but there was a hint of irritation there too, as though he hadn't anticipated her reaction.

Jhanvi's breath came in sharp, quick gasps as she clung to Krishna, her pulse still racing from the leap they had just taken. Her mind struggled to process everything that had happened in the last few minutes. Still trembling, she stammered, "I—I'm sorry. I was scared... seeing us jump from that height... but how are we still fine after that?"

Krishna sighed deeply, his voice a little more serious now, though there was still a trace of amusement in his eyes. "You know, you just alerted everyone with that scream." His tone wasn't harsh, but there was an undercurrent of frustration. The suddenness of her outburst had made everything more complicated than it needed to be.

Jhanvi felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. "I—I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible as she looked down, guilt washing over her. She hadn't meant to make things worse, but in her panic, she'd done exactly that.

Before Krishna could respond, the faint sound of voices cut through the night air. The voices were becoming clearer, their urgency palpable. "Who's there?" one of the security guards called, his voice laced with suspicion.

Without hesitation, Krishna's face shifted into an expression of determination. He didn't waste a second, swiftly moving forward and running with Jhanvi still perched on his shoulder. His movements were precise, instinctual. He darted through the yard, the sounds of approaching footsteps growing louder behind them, as he carried Jhanvi further from the house.

Back inside, Jhanvi's scream had already reached the ears of Jaidev and Satyapriya. They rushed into her room, their expressions frantic. Jaidev's face was twisted in a mix of rage and confusion as he surveyed the empty room, the signs of Jhanvi's abrupt disappearance hanging heavy in the air.

"What's going on?" Satyapriya asked, her voice filled with alarm. She stood in the doorway, her eyes searching the room for any clue as to where Jhanvi might have gone.

Before Jaidev could respond, a man entered the room. He was out of breath, clearly having run to get there. He stood stiffly at the threshold, his eyes nervously flicking between Jaidev and Satyapriya. "Sir, just now we heard the sound of a car coming from near the house," the man reported, his voice uneasy.

Jaidev's jaw clenched, fury flashing in his eyes. "Then what are you doing standing around here, you idiot? Go! Follow the car! Someone's just kidnapped Jhanvi!" His voice was low but filled with an unmistakable edge of anger.

The man's face went pale, and he nodded quickly. "Yes, sir." He turned on his heel and rushed out of the room, his footsteps echoing in the hallway as he sprinted down the corridor to carry out his orders.

Satyapriya's eyes scanned the room, her heart pounding in her chest. She barely noticed the popcorn bowl on the floor, the faint smell of buttery kernels still lingering in the air. But as her gaze fell on the note tucked beneath it, a cold shiver ran down her spine. She walked over quickly, her hands trembling slightly, and snatched the note up, her breath catching in her throat as she read the words scrawled on the paper.

Jaidev's sharp voice broke through her shock. "What is that?" he demanded, his voice tight with the mounting tension in the room.

Satyapriya didn't answer right away. She unfolded the note with hurried hands, her fingers brushing the paper as she quickly scanned the contents. The words seemed so bizarre, so absurd, she could hardly process them. Her brow furrowed in confusion as she read aloud, her voice shaky.

"Kidnapper's note..., but what kind of demand is this?" Satyapriya muttered, her confusion mirrored in her tone.

Jaidev's eyes narrowed, a flash of anger crossing his features. "What type of demands are these?" he spat, his voice rising in frustration. He had already been shaken by Jhanvi's disappearance, but this? This felt like some twisted joke.

Satyapriya's hand shook slightly as she read the note again, her voice becoming more strained as she repeated the words. "Good evening, dear and lovely Satyapriya," she began, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I am kidnapping your dear little sister. If you want her back, I have some demands. First, a beautiful date with you. Second, when we meet, please wear a red saree; that color looks good on you. And please fill my popcorn bowl with whatever you like. Your whatever you like to call bye."

The silence in the room was thick, suffocating. Jaidev's fist clenched at his side, his anger bubbling to the surface. "What type of nonsense demands is this? Is this person even sane?" His words were laced with disbelief, but the sharp edge of his fury was unmistakable. His mind raced with a thousand questions, but no one had the answers.

(A/N: If you'd like to support me, please use this UPI: omgadekar29@oksbi "Om Gadekar". If you do, please let me know your webnovel name so I can recognize you.)

(Word's Count:-5635)