**Her wedding day was supposed to be the start of forever. Instead, it became the day her world collapsed.**
Samaira had it all-until Advait, the man she trusted, shattered her dreams on their wedding day. Left standing at the altar, humiliated and...
The leader of the terrorists walked into the room with a cold, commanding presence. His eyes scanned the hostages, lingering on each terrified face. The room was silent except for the occasional muffled sob. Samaira sat between Aahana and Naksh, with Anay close by. The weight of the situation was written across her friends' faces—eyes wide, jaws clenched—but Samaira’s expression remained oddly calm.
Her thoughts, however, were far from calm. The universe really decided to turn my casual daydream into reality, huh? What’s next? A Bollywood-style rescue? She barely held back a sardonic smile.
“We are not here to harm anyone,” the leader began, his voice steady but laced with a subtle menace. “That is… as long as the government fulfills our demands.”
Tension rippled through the room. People exchanged anxious glances, but no one dared to speak. Samaira tilted her head slightly, studying the man’s movements. He’s playing the role well. Calculated. Confident. Classic villain energy.
The leader’s tone shifted, becoming sharper. “But let me be very clear. If our demands are ignored, we will not hesitate to take lives.”
His gaze swept over the room and then stopped on Samaira. A glint of recognition sparked in his eyes, and he smirked.
“You,” he said, pointing at her. “I’ve seen you before. Samaira Singhania. Daughter of the influential Singhania family. And now, the daughter-in-law of the Shekhawats. Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise?”
Samaira’s stomach churned, but her face betrayed nothing. So now I’m the VIP hostage. Great. Just great.
The leader stepped closer. “Your presence here changes everything. With you as leverage, my job just got much easier.”
A terrorist rushed in from the hallway, interrupting the moment. “Sir, the government isn’t responding to our demands.”
Without hesitation, the leader drew his gun and fired at one of the hostages. A cry of pain rang out as the man collapsed, clutching his arm. Gasps filled the room.
Samaira flinched but quickly masked her reaction. Beside her, Aahana gripped her wrist tightly, whispering, “Don’t even think about it.”
“I can help him,” Samaira said under her breath, her voice steady.
“You can’t,” Naksh hissed. “Stay out of this.”
“They’re already focused on me,” she replied, her tone firmer now.
The leader’s voice cut through their hushed argument. “Film this,” he barked at one of his men. “Let the government see the consequences of their silence.”
The terrorist began recording as the leader addressed the camera. “This is your first warning. For now, we’ve caused only minor injuries. But if you continue to ignore us, there will be bloodshed. Starting with her.”
He grabbed Samaira’s arm and yanked her forward, his grip painfully tight. She winced as his fingers dug into her skin, but she refused to let him see any weakness.
“Your government knows who she is,” the leader said, gesturing toward Samaira. “If they don’t respond immediately, she will be the first to die.”
The camera’s red light blinked, capturing every word. Samaira couldn’t suppress the thought that popped into her head: Wrong move buddy. You don’t know who you’ve just manhandled.
The leader motioned for the recording to stop and for the video to be sent to the media. He turned to Samaira, his eyes narrowing. “You’re surprisingly calm for someone in your position. Don’t tell me you think someone’s going to save you.”
Samaira met his gaze evenly. “I wouldn’t expect you to understand,” she said, her voice steady.
He smirked, clearly amused. “You’re naive if you think rescue is coming. No one’s coming for you.”
Samaira allowed herself a small, defiant smile. “Maybe. Or maybe you’ve just made the wrong enemy by touching me.” Advait’s words from earlier that morning echoed in her mind, unshakable.
The leader laughed mockingly. “You’re amusing, I’ll give you that. But let’s see how far that attitude takes you.”
Samaira tilted her head slightly, her calm demeanor unfaltering. “For now, could you let me help the man you just shot? His life means nothing to you, but if he dies, the chaos you’re trying to control will only grow worse. Let me stabilize him before that happens.”
The leader considered her words for a moment before nodding begrudgingly. “Fine. But make it quick.”
They handed her a basic medical kit, and Samaira knelt beside the injured man. Her movements were efficient, her hands steady as she applied pressure to the wound and secured a makeshift bandage.
“You’ll be fine,” she whispered to the man. “Just hang in there.”
When she finished, she stood and returned to her friends, who were staring at her in disbelief.
“How are you so calm?” Aahana asked, her voice trembling.
Samaira gave a small shrug. “You get used to chaos after a while.”
Naksh frowned. “What kind of life have you been living if this is ‘normal’ to you?”
Samaira hesitated, her composure briefly faltering. She hated to admit it, but the composure she displayed now wasn’t an act. Living with Advait had hardened her, shaped her into someone who could face danger without crumbling.
“It doesn’t matter,” she said finally, sitting down beside her friends. “What matters is that we keep our heads and figure out a way to survive this.”
Anay shook his head, still stunned. “You’re unbelievable, Samaira.”
She leaned back against the wall, her mind racing even as her exterior remained calm. This isn’t over. Not by a long shot.
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