The Escape

Shivani entered the room, only to find it completely empty—no utensils, no signs of life. Confused, she turned to leave, but as soon as she stepped out, Shahbaz emerged from behind the door, shutting it tightly behind him. He began advancing towards her, his gaze predatory and unyielding. Fear struck her heart, and she instinctively stepped back.

Before he could get any closer, Shahbaz's phone rang. Annoyed, he answered, "What is it?"

On the other end, his man reported nervously, "Bhai, we couldn't find the girl. I was thinking... maybe we should stop the supply of girls until we catch her."

Shahbaz chuckled darkly, his eyes fixed on Shivani. "There's no need for that," he replied smugly. "I've found the girl." His gaze traveled up and down Shivani, his meaning unmistakable. "And the supply will go out today itself. Understand? Be here in an hour." He ended the call with a snap, his phone still on speaker, allowing Shivani to hear every word.

Her heart pounded as she processed what she'd just heard. She glanced around desperately, searching for a way out. Shahbaz, noticing her fear, moved closer. He grabbed her, pulling her forcefully against him. Her head slammed against his chest, and she screamed loudly, fighting to break free.

Shahbaz wasted no time, his hand clamping over her mouth, muffling her cries. He shoved her onto the bed and climbed over her, forcing a kiss upon her. Shivani fought back with everything she had, thrashing and kicking. Her hand flailed wildly, hitting the table beside the bed. Her fingers brushed against a bottle—a liquor bottle.

Without hesitation, she grabbed it, smashing it over Shahbaz's head. The bottle shattered with a sickening crack, and blood began trickling down his forehead. His eyes rolled back, and he slumped to the floor, unconscious.

Shivani didn't waste a second. She bolted from the room, locking it from the outside, and fled with Aditya in her arms.

When Shahbaz finally regained consciousness, rage filled his eyes. He dialed his men, his fingers shaking with fury, and sent Shivani's photo through WhatsApp. His fists pounded the door, but it held firm.

Meanwhile, Aman spoke to Bharat, his voice firm and unyielding. "Look, Bharat, I need you to find out who that girl is as soon as possible."

Bharat replied confidently, "Okay, sir. I'll do my best."

Jai sped his car towards the hospital, his mind racing with thoughts of Shivani and Aditya. He questioned the hospital staff urgently, but they informed him that the two had left over two hours ago. Frustrated but determined, Jai got back in his car, driving recklessly as he stopped at intervals, showing their photos to anyone who would listen. Finally, he reached the small shop where Shivani had bought biscuits for Aditya.

Hope flickered in his chest, and without wasting another moment, Jai floored the accelerator towards the highway.

Meanwhile, Shivani had made it far, carrying Aditya in her arms. But exhaustion was catching up. She grew dizzy, and finally, she set Aditya down beneath the shade of a large tree, sitting beside him to catch her breath.

As she scanned her surroundings, her eyes landed on a group of six or seven men. Her heart skipped a beat—they were looking for her. Panic surged through her veins, and she grabbed Aditya, preparing to run. But the men spotted her and immediately gave chase.

Shivani's mind raced. She ducked and weaved, cutting across the highway, and emerged on the other side. That's when she saw it—a massive crowd of nearly a hundred to a hundred and fifty people. There were elders, children, women, and young men, all chanting in praise of the goddess, their heads draped with red chunaris and faces smeared with vermillion. A large statue of the goddess was being carried on a grand vehicle, leading the procession.

Though still dizzy, Shivani mustered her strength and slipped into the crowd, blending seamlessly with the devotees. She bowed before the goddess's feet, scooping up some vermillion and smearing it across her own face and Aditya's as well. One of the priests noticed her devotion and handed her a chunari, which she gratefully accepted, tying it around Aditya's head. Her heart pounded, but she stayed calm.

The men arrived at the edge of the crowd, scanning the faces. But with the red dust of vermillion masking their features and the chunaris covering their heads, they couldn't identify Shivani. Defeated, they turned back.

Elsewhere, Jai finally reached the dhaba. He approached the owner, his eyes sharp and probing. "Did you see this woman and child?" he asked, showing the photos.

The owner hesitated, eyes darting nervously. Jai didn't miss it. He leaned in, his voice dropping to a growl. "I asked you a question."

"No... I don't know," the man stammered, eyes wide with fear.

Jai's patience snapped. His fist flew, landing squarely on the man's jaw. Two teeth flew out, and blood spilled from his mouth. "I don't have time for lies," Jai warned coldly. Trembling and clutching his jaw, the man spilled everything he knew.

Jai's fury flared, and he didn't hold back, delivering blow after blow until the man crumpled, sobbing. Jai quickly called the police, and within minutes, they arrived, arresting both the dhaba owner and Shahbaz.

Jai sped off in his car, heading in the direction Shivani had gone, his mind fixed on finding her.

Shivani, having escaped the crowd, now found herself at a bridge. Aditya tugged at her hand. "Didi, I'm hungry," he said softly.

Tears filled Shivani's eyes. She knelt down and cupped his face. "What would you like to eat, beta?"

"I want matar paneer, pulao, and kheer," he replied innocently.

Her heart ached. She forced a smile. "You'll get everything, beta. Don't worry. Do you miss Mom and Dad?"

Aditya's eyes filled with tears, and he nodded. "Yes, Didi, I miss them so much."

Wiping her tears, Shivani whispered, "Today, we will meet them. We'll talk to them, eat together... just like before."

Aditya clapped excitedly. "Yay! We'll meet Mom and Dad!"

Shivani's eyes grew heavy with sorrow. She looked up at the sky, whispering under her breath, "I'm sorry, Papa. I'm breaking my promise to you." With that, she leaned down to pick up Aditya, but just then, darkness overtook her vision, and she collapsed, unconscious.