ENIGMA

Searching

Meanwhile, Advik’s mind raced as he dispatched his team to search for Inaya. “I want every available guard out looking for her,” he instructed Vikram over the phone. “She couldn’t have gone far. It’s been less than ten minutes since I saw her. Start at the perimeter of the mansion and work your way outward. Check the gardens, the garage, and any other possible exits.”

“Yes, sir. We’ll cover every inch,” Vikram replied, the urgency in his voice evident. Advik hung up, tension knotting in his stomach as he glanced at Ruhani, who was pacing the room, her eyes wide with worry.

“Do you really think she could have left the grounds?” Ruhani asked, biting her lip.

“She’s headstrong,” Advik replied, crossing his arms as he tried to contain his frustration. “If she’s determined enough, she might have found a way. We need to prepare for every possibility.”

Ruhani nodded, her heart racing. “What if she runs into someone dangerous? What if she’s hurt?”

“That’s exactly what I’m worried about,” Advik said, his voice low and firm. “That’s why we can’t waste a second. I want you to stay here, keep your phone on, and wait for updates. I can’t have you out there risking yourself, too.”

“But I can help!” Ruhani insisted, desperation creeping into her voice.

Advik met her gaze, his eyes fierce yet protective. “You’re not thinking clearly. If she’s out there, she could be in danger, and the last thing we need is for you to add to the chaos. I need you safe.”

Reluctantly, Ruhani stepped back, realizing he was right. She could feel the anxiety bubbling beneath the surface, but she also understood that Advik was channeling all his energy into protecting both her and Inaya. “Fine, I’ll stay here. But please… hurry,” she pleaded, her voice breaking slightly.

Advik nodded, but his expression remained stern. “I will. Trust me, I won’t rest until we find her.”

He turned and strode out of the room, the intensity of his purpose radiating from him. Advik headed straight to the main living area, where his team had gathered, and began directing them with sharp commands.

“Listen up! We need to form search parties. Split into teams of two and cover every area. The gardens, the alleys, the side streets—search every inch,” he ordered, his voice booming with authority. “And make sure to check with the guards; they should have a good idea of the grounds. If you find her, don’t approach unless you know she’s safe. We don’t want to spook her.”

His security team nodded, eyes wide with the urgency of the situation. As they dispersed, Advik’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out to see a message from Vikram.

“Cameras show her leaving through the back door. She seems to have headed towards the service exit.”

Advik’s heart sank, realizing how close Inaya had come to leaving the property completely. He quickly typed a response. “Get everyone to that exit now. No one is to approach her unless absolutely necessary.”

After sending the message, he quickly moved towards the back of the mansion, his mind focused on the fastest route to the service exit. Each step felt heavy as he thought of what could happen if they didn’t reach her in time.

As he approached the exit, he caught sight of a couple of guards near the door, their expressions tense. “Did you see her?” he demanded.

“No, sir,” one of them replied. “But we’re checking the perimeter now.”

Advik gritted his teeth, the knot in his stomach tightening. “Find her. I want every possible escape route covered. She’s not leaving this property, is that clear?"