Enigma

Kidnap

Two days later,

It was Tejasswi's performance day. She woke up early in the morning. Practiced her bit once or twice, got ready and left for college with Karan. On the way,

"Are you excited for today?"
"Actually, nervous, excited, bit of both. It's going to be memorable for me. "
"Yes, and don't worry, I'll be there for your performance. "
"I know... I'll be waiting for you."

Both reached college, Tejasswi went to the greenroom to change into her costume and makeup. Karan went to the class as he would be directly coming at the time of her performance. Sam, Amy, Agastya, Dane also were about to attend the performance. Karan had the duty to escort the esteemed Chief Guest - Mrs. Parul W. She was a renowned professor and social worker, who has come to  India only to attend this event.

Karan saw the chief guest coming.
"Good morning ma'am, we are honoured to have you here among us. "
"Good morning, what's your name?"
"Karan Kundrra mam"
"Oh, amazing. I heard you play exceptionally well. I want you to work hard and get all that you want. "
"Thank you, this way please "

Karan felt good hearing her. But now it was time for Tejasswi's performance. The event started, with Ganesh Vandana , lightning of the lamp and a beautiful song by the choir. Karan recieved Teju's call. He picked it up and hearing her he rushed towards the green room.

"Teju ..kya hua...why are you so tensed? "
"Karan... it's my mom"
"What...where?"
"The chief guest...its my mom."
"What...? Ok...relax, you don't have to worry about her. Just focus on your goal. Think of it like, you have got this opportunity to show her, how strong you have become. Let her see the evolved version of her own daughter she couldn't hold close. "
"Okk.. thanks karan, I think I should go now. "
"All the best "

Karan came back to the auditorium. Teju and her team went on the stage. Teju shared an eye contact with her mom and gracefully ignored her presence and smiled confidently. Her mom was not shocked to see her there. Of course she knew that her daughter was studying in this college and so she chose to attend the event. She smiled looking at her but when she ignored her presence it did hurt her, but who's kidding, she deserved that. Karan had his fingers crossed. The dance started. The team did an exceptional performance. All of them were in sync, their steps, swag, confidence everything was top notch.
The auditorium is filled with applause.
Her mom clapped like a proud mother. She had tears in her eyes looking at her daughter who is finally doing what she loved doing the most.

Karan cheered the loudest for Teju. He was happy that the performance went well and Teju did it so beautifully. He wanted to run to her and hug her tightly. But he couldn't as, the greenroom would have other people as well. So he waited for her to come out herself. He saw all other participants joining the auditorium but Teju was not there. After some time, Karan had this doubt so he himself went to check on her but surprisingly the greenroom was empty. He enquired the incharge about Tejasswi. She said, that Tejasswi went out a long time back. Karan was scared as hell. He called Dane and told him everything. All of the group, met Karan in the canteen. Karan also called Ajay uncle and made him aware of the situation. He called Tejasswi many times but she was not picking up and after a while, her phone got switched off.

" I think I'll have to go to the police station. "
"I am coming with you bhai. Sam, Amy, Agastya...please check the cctv cameras in the college. And also around the college."
"Yes sure, you go "

Karan and dane reached the police station. On the other hand, Sam found a footage from the back alley camera that a hooded man carried Tejasswi who was unconscious or something and put her in a red car. She immediately sent this footage to Karan. Karan saw it and banged his hand on thr wall nearby.
"Karan, what are you doing? We will find her. Don't do this please."
"Uncle, see this, this is what I was scared of. "
"Oh my God, Karan look, don't worry ok...just wait for a minute."

The inspector went in. He came after a minute or two.
"Karan, see this, this is her last location near the old cemetery house. There an abandoned mill also. I think, the kidnapper has taken her here. "
"Uncle, Tejasswi's mom is here in India, in our college. "
"What...does she know about all of this?"
"No...but I think that doesn't matter, I think we should go now "
"Don't worry Karan, we'll get to her.. but for now we have to inform her mother. Please go and tell her. "
"Me?"
"Yes, its your duty. Don't worry, We are here to handle the situation. Go tell her and come back to the location. "
"Okk"

Karan goes back to the college. He saw Mrs. Parul talking to the dean and principal. He was getting restless. She saw him impatient so she excused herself and came out.

"Why ae you so impatient beta? Are you alright?"
"Ma'am, please, you don't have to be so empathetic towards me when you didn't even empathise your own daughter. You left her alone, abandoned her, and now she's stuck somewhere. "
"How do you know my daughter?"
"I know her from the first day of college...and sadly I know her better than you ..her own mother."
"Enough...you don't have any right to raise your tone. You are just a student. Don't forget your limits. "
"Ma'am, I might be a student for you, but I am much more than a friend for your daughter...and today if anything happens to her for god's sake, mujhse bura koi nahi hoga. "
"What happened to her, where is she...?"
"Somebody kidnapped her. And the police wants you to come to that place to identify the kidnapper. "
"Karan beta, please mujhe le chalo vaha. Meri beti thik hai na?"
"I don't know....I don't know...🥺"