Part 12 – The University Hunt

The sun was already beginning to dip below the horizon as they left Aditya's house, but none of them wanted to waste time. Every second mattered.

"We'll take my bike," Aditya said, strapping on his helmet.

Maya eyed the sleek black motorcycle with mild skepticism. "Three people on one bike?"

Arjun grinned, stepping forward. "I'll sit behind Maya."

Aditya shot him a flat look. "You can run behind us instead."

Maya stifled a laugh as Arjun placed a hand over his heart, faking a deep wound. "Ouch, Aditya. I thought we were bonding."

"You thought wrong." Aditya swung a leg over the bike.

Maya sighed. "Enough, both of you. We're wasting time."

Arjun smirked. "Fine. But just so you know, I'd be the perfect backrest."

Maya ignored him and climbed onto the bike behind Aditya. Arjun reluctantly took the last seat, mumbling about injustice and bad seating arrangements.

As soon as Aditya revved the engine, they took off, Arjun nearly losing his balance.

"A little warning next time!" he shouted over the wind.

Maya couldn't help but smile. Despite everything, Arjun always managed to bring some lightness into the moment.

By the time they reached the university, the campus was quieter, students slowly trickling out of the buildings. The tall structures loomed over them, bathed in the soft glow of evening lights.

The library stood at the heart of the campus, an old yet grand structure with ivy-covered walls. Maya felt a strange sense of déjà vu stepping through the large entrance.

Aditya led them down a quiet corridor to a locked office door labeled Research Staff Only.

"She used to work here," Aditya murmured, placing a hand on the door. "If she hid the key anywhere, it's inside."

The door was locked.

Arjun sighed. "So much effort just to get to a locked door."

"I might know someone who can help," Aditya muttered, already walking off.**

Maya and Arjun followed him back to the main hall, where he approached a woman stacking books behind the counter—Professor Iyer.

"Professor Iyer," Aditya said carefully. "I need access to the research office."

The woman raised an eyebrow. "Aditya? It's been a long time."

Aditya nodded. "I know. But it's important."

Professor Iyer sighed, glancing between them. "Your sister's disappearance was a tragedy, Aditya. I don't know if revisiting her work will help you."

"I just need to check something," he insisted.

After a long pause, the professor unlocked a drawer and pulled out a set of keys. "Five minutes. No longer."

The office was small, cluttered with books and papers, as if frozen in time.

Maya and Arjun searched the shelves while Aditya rifled through the desk. Then he froze.

"I think I found something."

It was a simple note, tucked beneath a stack of books.

'If something happens to me, find the clock.'

Maya's heart pounded.

Aditya's face paled. "She had a habit of hiding things behind the old grandfather clock at home."

That's where they'd find the key.

Six days left.

And the real search was just beginning.