Chapter 36 . "Emergency"

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**ADVAIT'S POV**

We are talking about how Naina got scared, and she shows me some pictures of me and a recording of God knows who or what. I don't understand why Shreya has pictures of me, especially with clients. As I am about to play the recording, my phone's screen lights up with a call from Shreya. I can't control my emotions. I thought Shreya was trustworthy-someone I could rely on for anything about Naina-but why is she scared too? I answer the call and my heart sinks when she says, "Advait sir, please come soon... It's an emergency." It's unsettling.

"Naina, we need to go now. I'll listen to the rest in the car," I say, standing up quickly and heading toward the door.

"But where?" she asks, her voice laced with confusion.

"Just come. It's an emergency," I reply, grabbing my car keys off the table.

She seems disappointed but nods. "Oh, okay."

In my rush, I realize I haven't asked Shreya where she is. "Naina, unlock my phone and call Shreya. Put it on speaker."

"Uh, I don't know your password," she says, holding the phone awkwardly.

I am so caught up in the urgency of Shreya's call that I blurt out, "It's your birth date."

For a moment, Naina doesn't react. But then I see her expression shift from confusion to understanding. She enters the password and dials Shreya.

When Shreya picks up, I ask, "Where are you?"

"The city hospital," she says, and my heart drops. "WHAT?" is the only word that escapes my mouth.

"Sir, please just come here. I'll explain everything later," she insists. That's all I need to hear. I rush out the door, my thoughts spinning. Naina is trying to calm me down, but my mind races. If Shreya is at the hospital, calling me, she must be okay. But Rajveer... Rajveer has gone with her. If she is fine, something must have happened to him. Rajveer is not just my younger brother; he's my best friend. The thought of him hurt terrifies me.

"Calm down. Everything will be alright. Don't overthink; we're almost there," Naina says softly, her words a small comfort amid my anxiety. I don't know why, but hearing her eases my mind a little, though the concern still gnaws at me. As soon as we reach the hospital-I keep Naina close as we rush inside. I immediately ask the receptionist about Rajveer, but she says there's no one by that name.

Panic surges through me. I try asking for Shreya, but the answer is the same-nothing. Just then, I spot them: Shreya and Rajveer, walking toward us. Rajveer is leaning on Shreya, his arm draped over her shoulder for support. We hurry over, and I can see the strain on their faces.

"Come on, let's get you both to the car," I say, guiding them outside. I notice Shreya has bruises on her arms and a tear in her clothes.

"Well, it's broken now," Rajveer says, slumping into the back seat with Shreya. His tone is casual, too casual, as if he's trying to downplay the situation.

"What happened? I thought something serious happened when Shreya called. Thank God it's not worse. Thank you, Shreya, for taking care of him," I say as I start the car, my hands gripping the wheel tightly.

"Sir, don't thank me. I should be the one thanking your brother," Shreya says, her voice a mix of seriousness and something lighter, almost playful.

"Why?" I ask, glancing at her through the rearview mirror.

"Because when we went out for ice cream, Rajveer stepped away to take a call. I didn't think much of it, but it was late, and I was feeling uneasy. Two guys showed up-one tried to cover my mouth so I couldn't scream, and the other tried to snatch my bag. I fought back, but I got hurt. Then Rajveer appeared and fought them off, like some kind of movie hero. But they got to him too," she explains, her tone dramatic yet sincere.

I nod, absorbing her words. Naina, however, remains unusually quiet beside me, which is concerning. She's not the type to stay silent, especially in situations like this.

When we finally arrive at their apartment, I notice Naina hesitating at the door. I unbuckle my seatbelt and step out of the car. "If you need anything, call me immediately," I say, noticing the unease on her face. I stay by the car, watching them until they are safely inside.

"Now your turn," I say, getting back into the car. "You're staying with me tonight."

And that's how we end up at my place, unwinding with movies, drinks, and popcorn. I don't usually drink much, but with Rajveer around, it's sometimes necessary to unwind.

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