𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕

𝟐𝟒𝐇𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝

Chapter Ten: 24hrs To Find

Gill clenched his fists behind his back, his jaw tightened as he listened to Khatri's directives. The mention of Vasisth working closely with Khatri raised his suspicions, and the smirk on Khatri's face only fueled his disdain. Despite the controlled exterior, Gill's mind was racing with thoughts of protecting Vasisth from any potential harm.

As Khatri assigned roles and living arrangements, Gill couldn't shake the feeling that Khatri's intentions were far from innocent. Vasisth, however, remained composed, her gaze unwavering, and her mind focused on the task at hand. She was well aware of the dangers, but her determination to dismantle Khatri's empire fueled her resilience.

Khatri, with a malicious glint in his eyes, ordered, "Take them to their living chambers. Rehmat, you will stay close to me."

Gill's eyes narrowed at the mention of Vasisth staying close to him. His fists tightened even more, the urge to intervene building within him. However, before he could react, Azaan stepped forward, his voice firm.

"Janab, if I may intervene. Rehmat and Rehan are husband and wife. It would be appropriate for them to share a living chamber."

Khatri's eyes flickered with irritation at the interruption, but he nodded reluctantly. "Very well, Azaan. Arrange it as you see fit. But remember, they are here to serve me, and any deviation from that purpose will not be tolerated."

Azaan gave a respectful nod, and with a subtle glance towards Gill, he conveyed a silent message of caution. Gill, still seething with frustration, kept his emotions in check, knowing that any impulsive move could jeopardize the entire mission.

After Khatri's begrudging approval, Azaan took the lead in guiding the team to their assigned living chambers. Azaan first led the other two team members to their respective chambers, ensuring they were settled before turning his attention to Rehmat and Rehan. The room was adorned with rich tapestries and plush furnishings, starkly contrasting the dangerous mission at hand. Azaan, his expression grave, gestured for Rehmat and Rehan to enter.

"Remember, maintain your cover at all times. We can't afford any slip-ups. The success of this mission hinges on our ability to play our roles convincingly," Azaan cautioned, his eyes darting between the couple.

As Azaan moved away, Gill approached Vasisth with a sense of urgency. "Rehmat, be careful. I don't trust Khatri's intentions. If anything feels off, find a way to signal us. We're here to protect you."

Vasisth, with a subtle roll of her eyes, responded in a confident yet measured tone, "Rehan, I've dealt with worse than Khatri. I can handle that scum."

Gill's concern deepened, "I know you're capable, but I can't help worrying about you. We're in the lion's den, and I don't like the way Khatri looks at you."

Vasisth looked into Gill's eyes, appreciating the genuine concern reflected in them. His worry was touching, yet she couldn't allow herself to dwell on the warmth it brought to her heart. She had spent years building a fortress around her emotions, a shield born from the harsh realities she faced. This mission demanded her focus, not sentimental distractions.

Vasisth turned away from Gill, a fleeting vulnerability replaced by her usual composed demeanour. She took a deep breath, grounding herself in the reality of their mission.

"I will be fine Rehan. We need to focus on the task at hand - finding the hostages before Khatri's remaining associates reach Azmiria," she asserted, her tone unwavering.

As soon as Vasisth finished speaking, a knock on the door caught their attention. Gill exchanged a glance with her before getting up to answer it. The door swung open to reveal a guard, who peered inside directly at Vasisth.

"Janab wishes to see Rehmat," the guard declared.

Gill, puzzled, inquired, "Why?"

The guard's response dripped with hostility. "Azaan didn't teach you any manners? When Janab asks for something, you don't question it. Don't make the mistake of questioning him again," he warned, jabbing his gun towards Gill's chest.

Gill clenched his jaw, suppressing his frustration, and nodded in acknowledgement. The guard stepped back, indicating that Rehmat was to follow. Gill shot a concerned look at her before they complied with the summons.

Rehmat nodded and followed the guard, her steps measured and composed. Gill, grappling with a mix of concern and frustration, shut his eyes briefly as he turned around, closing the door behind him. Once alone, he took a deep breath and turned his attention to the empire map of Khatri that Azaan had discreetly provided.

Gill's fingers traced the intricate lines of the map, his mind consumed with thoughts of the hostages' whereabouts. He meticulously analyzed every detail, searching for potential locations where Khatri might be keeping them captive.

On the other hand, Rehmat entered Khatri's chamber, her demeanour poised and controlled.

"Rehmat, my dear, I've been expecting you," Khatri said, his voice dripping with false charm.

Rehmat maintained her composed facade, her gaze steady. "Janab, you summoned me. How may I be of service?"

Khatri leaned back in his chair, his eyes lingering on Rehmat with a predatory glint. "You have a way of turning heads, my dear. Azaan seems quite fond of you."

Rehmat kept her expression neutral, aware of the precarious situation. "I am here to serve, Janab. What do you require?"

Khatri's smirk deepened as he revelled in the power dynamics at play. "Rehmat, my dear, you'll be pleased to know that all my associates have been successfully released. They will be reaching Azmiria soon. Now, let's discuss what to do with the hostages and the information I possess."

Rehmat, maintaining her composed demeanour, nodded subtly at Khatri's revelation. "That is indeed good news, Janab. The release of your associates will undoubtedly strengthen our position. As for the hostages and the information you possess, I suggest we leverage them strategically to solidify our control."

Khatri's predatory gaze lingered on Rehmat, assessing her response. "Go on, my dear. I'm intrigued by your thoughts."

Rehmat chose her words carefully, aiming to convey loyalty while subtly steering Khatri towards a course that aligned with their mission. "Janab, if we want to maximize our advantage, we should use the hostages and the information judiciously. Keeping the hostages as a potential bargaining chip could help us in negotiations or deter rival factions. Simultaneously, strategically releasing bits of information can create chaos among our enemies, allowing us to maintain the upper hand."

Khatri's interest was piqued, and a wicked smile played on his lips. "You have a cunning mind, Rehmat. I like that. I will proceed as you've suggested, but remember, loyalty is paramount. Betrayal has dire consequences."

Rehmat nodded in agreement, her mind calculating the delicate dance she had to perform. "Janab, rest assured, loyalty is my utmost priority."

Khatri rose from his seat and moved behind Rehmat, placing his hands on her shoulders and leaning down to whisper in her ear. "I'm proud of you," he said with a sinister satisfaction. However, Rehmat, maintaining her composed facade, nodded without displaying any visible reaction.

Khatri continued whispering in Rehmat's ear, expressing his satisfaction and pride. "You may leave now," he said softly. Rehmat nodded, maintaining her composure, and gracefully exited his room. As she stepped out, her hands aggressively swept over her shoulders where Khatri's hands had been, silently expressing her discomfort and frustration.

Rehmat walked swiftly towards her and Gill's chamber, her heart pounding with a mixture of urgency and frustration. Upon reaching the door, she opened it harshly and closed it quickly behind her, causing Gill to look up from the map he was analyzing. With heavy breaths, she approached Gill, her demeanour tense and determined.

"24 hours, Rehan," she muttered, her voice filled with urgency. "We have to find them."