ENIGMA

CHAPTER 10

Ruhani’s heart pounded as she navigated the dimly lit club, her eyes darting around in search of any familiar face. The overwhelming mix of loud music, flashing lights, and the heavy scent of alcohol made her feel even more disoriented. Suddenly, her eyes caught sight of a man dressed in casual clothes, his presence stark and commanding amidst the chaotic ambiance. He moved with purpose, his muscular build and intense demeanor setting him apart from the crowd. Relief washed over Ruhani as she recognized him as an Indian, and his face struck a chord of familiarity within her.

Mustering her courage, Ruhani stumbled towards the man, the alcohol she had consumed impairing her balance and clarity. She reached out to him, her words slurring, "Excuse me... I need help. My friends... I can't find them."

Advik, who had been focused on finding his sister, turned to see the distressed girl. Clearing his throat, he tried to concentrate, sending the security team to continue the search. He listened as Ruhani, tears welling up in her eyes, explained her situation, her discomfort evident. Advik looked her up and down, assessing her state.

"Do you have your passport with you?" he asked sternly, knowing he needed to verify her identity and sobriety.

Ruhani fumbled in her bag, eventually producing her passport. Advik glanced at it, confirming that she was indeed drunk. His heart softened slightly, recognizing her vulnerability.

"It's okay. We'll find your friends," he assured her, though his mind was racing with the need to find Inaya.

As the evening wore on, Ruhani found herself following Advik through the labyrinthine corridors of the club. Each step reverberated with the thumping bass of the music that echoed through the walls, amplifying the tension building within her. She stumbled occasionally, the effects of the alcohol she had consumed mixing with the adrenaline of the search. Advik, determined and focused, led the way with swift strides, his jaw set in determination.

They finally reached a secluded area marked by a guarded entrance. Two burly security guards stood sentinel, their imposing presence enough to make anyone reconsider their approach. Advik, without hesitation, approached them with Ruhani in tow. His voice cut through the cacophony around them, commanding attention.

"Excuse me, we need to check this private area. We're looking for someone," Advik stated firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

The security guard scrutinized them for a moment, eyeing Ruhani's slightly disheveled appearance and Advik's serious demeanor. "Sorry, sir. This area is restricted," one of the guards responded gruffly, crossing his arms in a defensive stance.

Advik's patience wore thin, his concern for his sister mounting with every passing second. "Look, my sister might be in there. We need to check," he insisted, his voice tightening with urgency.

Ruhani, standing beside Advik, could feel the tension radiating off him. She shifted uncomfortably, suddenly aware of the gravity of the situation. "Please," she added softly, her voice pleading. "I really need to find my friends."

The security guards exchanged a hesitant glance, clearly unsure of how to proceed. One of them stepped forward, addressing Advik directly. "I'm sorry, sir, but without proper authorization..."

Advik's frustration peaked. "Authorization? My sister could be in danger in there! We need to find her now," he asserted, his voice rising slightly.

Seeing the situation escalate, Ruhani spoke up again, her words coming out in a rush. "She might be with her friends... please, just let us check," she implored, her eyes pleading with the guards.

After a tense moment of deliberation, the guard relented, gesturing to his colleague to unlock the gate. "Alright, but be quick," he warned, stepping aside to allow them entry.