The Mafia heart ( book 1 )

chapter 25 Desperation

Vikram paced back and forth in his office, his mind racing with worry. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong. Mehek had not come home, and when he tried to call her, his heart sank at the sound of her voicemail. She was missing.

"Where the hell is she?" Vikram muttered under his breath, his anxiety turning to anger. He turned to his trusted aides, Arman Singhania and Kartikeya, who were seated across the desk, concern etched on their faces.

"Vikram, we'll find her," Arman said, trying to sound reassuring. "We just need to track down Aman Khanna. He's the only one who would want to hurt her."

Vikram stopped pacing and slammed his fist on the desk. "Aman Khanna! I should have known he'd try something like this. He's always been jealous of me. But I never thought he'd go this far."

Kartikeya leaned forward, his expression serious. "We have to act fast. He could take her anywhere. We need to gather intel on his recent activities. I can reach out to some contacts in the underworld to see if anyone has seen him."

"Do it," Vikram ordered, his voice laced with urgency. "I can't lose her. Not now, not ever."

Arman nodded, grabbing his phone. "I'll try to get information on any suspicious movements. We'll figure this out, Vikram. I promise."

Vikram ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. "She deserves better than this. I've hurt her so much, and now this... I can't let her suffer because of my past."

Kartikeya shook his head. "You can't blame yourself for this. Aman is the one to blame. We need to focus on finding her and bringing her back safely."

Vikram took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "You're right. We need to think. What do we know about Aman's patterns? Where would he go?"

"He likes to hang out in abandoned places, especially warehouses," Arman said, tapping his fingers on the table. "That's where he feels most at home. If he's hiding out somewhere, it's likely to be one of those spots."

Vikram's mind raced, recalling an old warehouse on the outskirts of the city. "There's a place near the docks-an old shipping warehouse. I've heard rumors that he might be using it as a hideout."

"Then that's where we need to go," Kartikeya said, his voice firm. "We can't waste any more time."

"Let's move," Vikram commanded, determination filling his voice. "We'll split up. I want you two to check the warehouse while I contact some people for backup."

Arman and Kartikeya stood up, their expressions resolute. "We won't let you down," Arman said before they left the room, heading to gather their gear.

Vikram felt a mix of fear and resolve wash over him. He couldn't let Aman take Mehek from him. Despite their complicated past, he loved her, and he was willing to fight for her.

As he stepped out of his office, he grabbed his phone and dialed a number. "Get me the police," he said, his voice urgent. "I need all available units at the old shipping warehouse near the docks. We have a kidnapping situation, and time is running out."

"Vikram, do you really think it's necessary to involve the police?" his contact asked, hesitation clear in their tone.

"I don't care what you think," Vikram snapped, his frustration boiling over. "Get them there now. If Aman has Mehek, I need all the help I can get."

He hung up, his heart pounding as he made his way to the parking lot. As he climbed into his car, his thoughts drifted to Mehek. What was she feeling? Was she scared? Alone? He couldn't bear the thought of her in danger because of him.

Driving through the city, Vikram's mind was a whirlwind of emotions. He recalled the moments they shared, both good and bad. The laughter, the arguments, the love. He had taken her for granted, and now he had to make it right.

Arriving at the warehouse, he parked his car and got out, scanning the area. The place looked deserted, but he knew better than to let his guard down. As he approached, he spotted Arman and Kartikeya hiding behind some crates, their expressions serious.

"Did you find anything?" Vikram asked, his voice low.

"Not yet," Kartikeya replied, shaking his head. "But we need to be careful. Aman is unpredictable."

Vikram nodded, feeling a rush of adrenaline. "We're going in. I don't care what it takes. We have to get Mehek back."

"Stay close," Arman warned, moving stealthily toward the entrance.

As they crept inside the warehouse, the darkness swallowed them. Vikram's heart raced, but he couldn't let fear consume him. He had to be strong, not just for himself, but for Mehek.

"Mehek!" he called out softly, hoping she could hear him. "I'm here! We're coming for you!"

Silence enveloped them, but he refused to give up hope. They had to find her before it was too late.