FORBIDDEN FLAMES ✅

Race Against Time

VIHAAN'S POV

It had been a long day, filled with endless phone calls, meetings, and the weight of unresolved cases pressing on my shoulders. But now, as I reached Neil's doorstep, I could feel the tension slowly dissipating. I couldn't wait to see Nidhi and my little princess, Nisha.

I pressed the doorbell and within moments, Neil swung the door open with a grin plastered on his face. "Vihaan!" he exclaimed, clapping me on the shoulder. "Come on in!"

Before I could step inside, a blur of pink dashed towards me, and I found myself enveloped in Nisha's tight embrace to my legs. "Vihaan uncle!" she squealed, her voice filled with excitement.

I scooped her up in my arms,"My princess, how are you?" I asked, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

"I'm fine, uncle," Nisha replied, her eyes sparkling with joy. "I missed you so much.""I missed you too, baby," I said, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Here, take these chocolates."

As Nisha eagerly reached for the chocolates, Nidhi emerged from the kitchen her gentle smile lighting up the room. " Vihaan Bhai, you can't spoil her," she chided playfully, but I could see the twinkle in her eyes.

I returned her smile, we settled down at the dining table, the aroma of home-cooked food filling the air. As we began to eat, Neil broke the comfortable silence "So, any progress in the case, Vihaan?"

I paused, setting down my fork as I recounted the events of the day. "Well, I've sent those photographs to all the local police stations," I began, "and I've instructed them to search for that couple. Hopefully, we'll have some leads soon."

Neil nodded, "Let's hope for the best," he said.

Nidhi's gaze met mine, her voice was gentle as she spoke, "Vihaan bhai, Neil told me about the situation here. How are you holding up?"

I met her gaze, offering a reassuring smile. "I'm perfectly fine, Nidhi. No need to worry about me," I replied, hoping to ease her worries.

She reached out, her hand finding mine, and squeezed it softly. "I'm here with you, bhai. You can tell me anything that's bothering you," she said, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance.

I returned her gesture, grateful for her support. "If there's anything, I'll definitely tell you. But honestly, I'm fine. Perfectly fine," I assured her, my smile widening at the thought of her unwavering care and concern.

AFTER ONE WEEK

One afternoon as Neil and I delved into the tasks at the office, the ring of my phone shattered the silence. I glanced at the caller ID and saw Swathi's name flashing on the screen. Picking up the call, I could immediately sense the urgency in her voice.

"Hello, sir," Swathi's voice trembled.

"Swathi?" I replied, my tone laced with concern.

"Yes sir, please help Shreya, sir," she pleaded.

I exchanged a quick glance with Neil before focusing my attention back on the call. "Swathi, what happened to Shreya?" I inquired, my mind racing with possibilities.