चुपके से दिल की बातें कर जाएँ,

तन्हाई में एक-दूसरे को समझ जाएँ।

तेरे बिना जो गुज़रती है रात,

उसकी खामोशी में भी तेरा एहसास पाएँ।

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A surprise bonus chapter for you..becauseee today is Diwali ndd

      My Birthday 🤌🌷

Happy Diwali !!

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Author Pov

Avyansh was surrounded by guards, all in tactical formation, him in the middle. The SWAT team's leader walked in front, his posture tense, eyes sharp, ready to assess every possible threat.

As they entered the zoo grounds, Avyansh noticed how the guards positioned themselves to keep him safe, their eyes scanning every inch of the area.

Though he desperately wanted to take charge, the SWAT leader, a no-nonsense officer named Singh, glanced back at him with a warning glare.

"Stay behind us, Mr. Raghuvanshi. I understand your concern, but leave the tactical maneuvers to us," Singh ordered, his voice firm. He signaled his men to move forward, their weapons ready.

Avyansh clenched his fists, biting back a retort. He knew Singh was right, but every instinct screamed at him to take action, to rush forward and find his family.

Still, he fell in line behind the SWAT team, trusting them to clear the way.

They moved cautiously, each step silent as they closed in on the zoo's restaurant. The quiet was tense, charged with anticipation. Shadows of figures could be seen from inside, and Avyansh's heart raced.

He barely contained himself, fighting the urge to sprint toward the restaurant, but Singh's sharp look reminded him to stay grounded.

As they neared the building, the first gunshot shattered the silence. The sound ricocheted through the empty zoo, sending flocks of birds scattering into the sky.

The SWAT team instantly sprang into action, signaling Avyansh to get down. He crouched, adrenaline pulsing as the guards spread out, taking cover and preparing to engage.

Inside the restaurant, the hostages stiffened in fear as the goons realized the SWAT team was close. One of the goons barked orders, "Lock the doors! Make sure no one escapes."

Several goons quickly obeyed, dragging tables and chairs to block the exits.

One of them whispered to the others, nodding toward the hostages. "Take off your shoes, put them near the door. Make it look like we're still outside," he muttered, a sly grin crossing his face.

The others quickly slipped out of their shoes, arranging them near the entrance as a decoy to trick the incoming team.

They moved with practiced ease, eyes narrowed as they prepared to face the approaching team.

Meanwhile, outside, Singh took point, directing his team to breach the restaurant from two angles. They split off into groups, each covering a side of the building.

He turned to Avyansh, his gaze as hard as steel. "Mr. Raghuvanshi you stay here. Do not engage, no matter what you see or hear."

Avyansh nodded reluctantly but kept his gaze trained on the restaurant, mentally counting every second. Singh and his team pressed forward, inching closer until they were within striking distance.

Another gunshot rang out, and then all hell broke loose. The SWAT team kicked down the side door, rushing in, weapons drawn. The restaurant filled with the sounds of shouting and gunfire, bullets flying as the officers engaged the goons.

Tables overturned, glass shattered, and smoke clouded the air as the tactical team fought their way inside.

One of the goons attempted to grab a hostage as a shield, but a SWAT officer fired a precise shot, hitting him in the leg and sending him crashing to the ground.

The other officers moved quickly, firing back as they pushed the goons deeper into the building.

Back outside, Avyansh felt his patience snap. Ignoring Singh's orders, he stepped forward, his body tense as he saw flashes of movement through the windows.

Every instinct screamed at him to go in, but he forced himself to hold back, knowing he'd be more of a liability if he entered prematurely.

Inside, the SWAT team split up, some officers engaging the goons directly while others searched room by room for the hostages.

The goons tried to retreat but were blocked at every turn, the SWAT team closing in with strategic precision.

The leader of the goons, seeing his plan unravel, shouted to his men, "Hold them off! Do not let them get to the hostages!"

But the SWAT team was relentless. One officer, through a series of quick hand signals, directed his team toward the area where the hostages were likely kept.

As they advanced, each officer moved in sync, covering one another's backs, their training and discipline evident in every step.

Meanwhile, Avyansh waited outside, each gunshot a reminder of what his family was enduring. The moment he received the signal, he'd be ready-ready to go in, to see his family safe again, no matter the cost.

Avantika's POV

As soon as the goons left, my pulse raced with cautious hope. I lay myself flat on the floor, angling my head just enough to check if they were really gone.

My heart sank when I saw their shoes neatly arranged by the door-it looked like they were still outside, but something about the arrangement felt... odd.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself, and slowly began working the gag from my mouth. The cloth scratched against my lips, but I kept at it until, finally, it slipped free.

My dry throat burned as I gasped in fresh air, wincing at the ache in my bruised jaw.

I turned my head slightly, noticing Dev ji crawling quietly towards me. His eyes were filled with the same fear and determination I felt, and he wasn't alone; another man, moving just as carefully, was right beside him.

"Bhabhi," Dev whispered when he got close enough, nodding toward the young man beside him. "He's the hotel manager."

I looked at the manager, barely able to make out his features in the dim light. He was younger than I'd expected, with wide, alert eyes and a steady gaze that belied the fear I was sure he felt.

His presence, strangely, brought a sense of calm; maybe, with his help, we'd have a chance to escape or signal for help.

"Ma'am," the hotel manager whispered urgently, breaking through my haze of fear. "There's a way to get to one of the important rooms."

I turned my gaze toward the small hall room he indicated, my heart pounding in my chest. "What do you mean?" I asked, desperation creeping into my voice.

He pointed toward a corner where a sofa was kept, the fabric faded and worn.

"It's hidden," he explained, his eyes darting around to ensure no one was watching. "Underneath the sofa. If we remove the carpet, we can get to it."

I squinted, trying to see what he was talking about. "Are you sure?" I whispered back, anxiety coiling in my stomach. What if it was just a trap? But the urgency in his tone ignited a flicker of hope within me.

Dev ji, who had been silent until now, nodded vigorously. "If there's a way out, we have to try! We can't just stay here bhabhi."

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "Okay," I said, my voice steady despite the tremor in my hands. "Let's do it."

Together, we crawled toward the sofa, the soft sounds of muffled cries and distant shouts echoing in the background. My heart raced as we reached the corner, and I nodded for the manager to take the lead.

He carefully lifted the carpet, revealing a trapdoor beneath. My breath caught in my throat. "It really is here," I murmured, glancing at Dev ji , whose eyes widened with disbelief and relief.

"Now what?" Dev ji asked, glancing nervously toward the door.

"We go down," the manager said firmly, peering into the dark space. "It might lead to a service tunnel. If we're lucky, it'll take us away from here."

I hesitated for a brief moment, fear clawing at my insides. But then I looked back at him, at the fear in his eyes, and I knew I couldn't let him down. "We have to stick together. Let's go."

Time Skip

The gunshot rang out, echoing through the dimly lit corridors, sending a chill down my spine.

"Jaldi kijiye!" I urged the people slowly moving through the area. My voice was strained, a mixture of fear and urgency.

The pregnant woman beside me was crying, her hands cradling her belly. "My baby..." she gasped between sobs.

I frowned, confused. Who was she talking about?

"His twin! She's in the kitchen, in the cupboard! My husband hid her and made her sleep there!" The woman's words came out in a desperate rush, hiccuping as she tried to catch her breath.

"Please, please take her with us too!" Her eyes were wide with panic, pleading for help.

Dev ji stepped forward, his expression hardening. "We can't," he said, almost glaring at her. "For one kid, we can't lose many lives." His tone was firm, trying to keep us focused on our escape.

But I felt a pang of sympathy for the woman. "Dev," I said softly, "we can't leave her behind."

"Bhabhi, please," Dev urged, his eyes full of concern. "We need to move now!"

I looked back at him, my heart heavy. "I will be back, Dev. Don't worry."

"No! I will go with you too!" he insisted, stepping closer, his determination palpable.

"Nahi, aapko sabke saath jaana chahiye, Dev ji. What if something happens there?" I replied, my voice shaking slightly.

The fear of what lay ahead gripped me.

"No, I will not leave you alone!" he retorted, his tone almost desperate.

Just then, The Manager Keshav stepped forward. He had striking golden cat-like eyes that seemed to hold a mix of courage and understanding.

"I will go with her," he said, his voice steady.

"We can't leave that child behind. If anything happens, I'll make sure she gets back safely."

Dev opened his mouth to protest, but I interrupted him, feeling a sense of resolve wash over me. "It's okay, Dev. I'll be fine. Just trust me. We need to help her."

The pregnant woman looked at me, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you... thank you so much," she whispered, her voice trembling with gratitude and fear.

I nodded, my heart racing. "Let's go quickly," I urged, leading the way as I felt the weight of the moment pressing down on me.

With one last glance at Dev, I pushed forward, knowing the risks but also feeling a flicker of hope that we could save the baby hidden in the cupboard. The chaos around us was deafening, but my resolve was clear-I had to help.

Dev ji gave me his jacket to cover the blood-soaked shirt, and as we stood in front of the door, the tension was palpable.

"Your pin," the guy said suddenly, snapping me back to reality.

"Huh?" I asked, confused.

"Hairpin," he clarified, his voice steady.

I fished the hairpin out of my hair, wincing as I did; the pain in my head was becoming unbearable with the blood loss. I handed it over to him.

Dev ji was gone.

Click.

The door opened with a quiet creak, and I looked at him with wide eyes.

A gunshot rang out, echoing ominously through the corridor.

"We need to be quick," he said, urgency in his voice.

I nodded, my heart pounding, as he slowly opened the door.

We glanced around cautiously. My stomach churned as I spotted a few lifeless bodies sprawled on the ground.

The sight made my head spin, but I forced myself to keep moving forward with Keshav.

"Look over there!" someone shouted nearby, and we instinctively ducked behind a cluster of plants.

My heartbeat quickened. The voices and the sounds around me intensified, making my pulses race faster than I could imagine.

No! I can't have a panic attack now!

"Stop," Keshav said suddenly, his voice barely a whisper.

I looked to my left and saw a group of goons scanning the area. Keshav gulped, fear evident in his eyes.

"I'll distract them," I said, a surge of adrenaline pushing me forward.

"No, wait!" he protested, grabbing my arm. "I'll do that. You just have to run and turn left, then right."

I hesitated, uncertainty creeping in. "Keshav, it's too dangerous!"

"I can't let you go alone," he insisted, determination etched on his face. "You'll have a better chance without me. Just follow my lead. I promise I'll be right behind you."

I bit my lip, weighing my options. There was no time to argue, and I could see the goons drawing closer.

"Okay," I finally agreed, steeling myself. "But be careful!"

Keshav gave me a brief nod, then took a deep breath, preparing to step out and draw their attention.

As I crouched behind the plants, I felt a mix of fear and hope. I have to do this. With one last glance at him, I whispered, "Good luck," before turning to run, my heart racing as I sprinted towards the kitchen, trusting that Keshav would keep his word.

Thud. I heard the gunshot echo through the silence, followed by the heavy stillness that settled in like a thick fog.

I turned around and quickly pressed myself against the wall, my heart racing in my chest. Peering around the corner,

I felt my stomach drop at the sight of a lifeless body sprawled on the floor. Panic clawed at my throat.

No, I have to be strong. I can't let this break me.

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and began to crawl toward the kitchen, my movements slow and deliberate to avoid drawing any attention. I glanced around cautiously, but the area was eerily quiet.

No one is there, I thought, relief washing over me momentarily. I made my way along the wall, my body tense with fear. Each sound-my breath, the soft rustle of fabric-seemed amplified in the suffocating silence.

As I reached the doorway to the kitchen, I hesitated, listening intently.

Come on, Avantika, you can do this.

I peeked into the kitchen. It was dimly lit, pots and pans scattered across the counter, and a faint smell of smoke lingered in the air. My heart raced as I noticed the small door on the far side of the room, leading to what I hoped was a way out.

I pushed myself to stand, wincing at the pain in my head. Focus, Avantika. Just keep moving.

Suddenly, I heard muffled voices outside, their laughter sending chills down my spine. I ducked back behind the doorframe, pressing myself flat against the wall, my breath hitching in my throat.

I couldn't let them find me. I couldn't let them take me back.

After a moment, the voices faded, and I took a chance to step into the kitchen. Every nerve in my body was on high alert as I moved quickly toward the small door, praying it would lead to safety.

Please let this work.

As I reached for the handle, I heard a faint sound behind me-a soft footstep. My heart raced again, and I turned to see one of the goons entering the kitchen, his eyes scanning the room.

No, no, no!

I quickly ducked behind a large metal counter, holding my breath as I watched him draw closer, the gleam of his gun catching the light.

"Where are you, little mouse?" he called out mockingly, a sinister grin spreading across his face.

I felt my heart thundering in my chest, every instinct screaming at me to run. But where?

In that moment of panic, I caught sight of a large pot on the stove, still steaming. An idea sparked in my mind, desperate but necessary.

I glanced around for something to create a distraction. My eyes landed on a nearby frying pan. Grabbing it, I took a deep breath and threw it toward the opposite side of the room, aiming for the sink.

The pan clattered loudly, and the goon's head snapped in that direction.

"What the-?" he muttered, turning to investigate.

I seized the opportunity and dashed toward the small door, praying it wouldn't be locked. I reached for the handle, my fingers trembling as I turned it.

Please let it be open!

To my relief, the door swung open, and I slipped through, heart racing as I entered a narrow corridor. I glanced back, but the goon was still distracted by the noise.

I couldn't stop now. I pressed forward, navigating through the dimly lit hallway, my mind racing with thoughts of Dev and everyone else. I have to get out of here. I have to save them.

With each step, I felt a flicker of hope igniting within me. I wouldn't let fear consume me. I would find a way to survive.

I found it. The cupboards lined against the wall should be here.

I sped over to them, my heart racing with each step. Sweat formed on my forehead, stinging my eyes as I blinked rapidly. My legs ached from crawling and running, but I couldn't stop now. I had to find her.

I opened the first door, my hands trembling. Empty. I moved to the next one, hoping against hope.

Nothing.

Please let her be in here, I thought desperately.

I opened the third door. A sudden movement startled me. A little girl jolted awake inside, her wide eyes filled with fear. She looked to be about four or five years old, the same age as the boy .

"Shh..." I whispered, trying to calm her down. I couldn't let her make a sound.

I quickly reached in, taking her out and pulling her close, feeling the weight of her small body against mine.

The cupboard was cramped, and I squeezed us both inside, closing the door just in time. I pulled her onto my lap, my heart pounding as I listened for any sounds outside.

It was past eight or nine now, I thought, the oppressive silence surrounding us thickening. The voices outside were muffled, but I could hear the low rumble of conversation. I felt the little girl's breath quicken against me, and I gently shushed her again.

"It's okay, I'm here," I whispered, trying to sound brave even as fear gripped my own heart.

She buried her face in my shirt, her small body trembling. I could feel her fear radiating through her tiny frame, and it broke my heart.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching, heavy and deliberate. I held my breath, praying they would pass by without noticing us. The door creaked slightly as someone leaned against it.

"No, please," I thought, squeezing the girl closer to me.

I could hear muffled voices. "Search every room," a man ordered. "They can't be far."

They're looking for us, I realized, panic surging through me.

I felt the little girl's grip tighten around me, her small fingers clutching my shirt as if I were her lifeline. I looked around the dim cupboard, searching for anything that could help.

I needed to keep her safe. I had to find a way out for both of us.

The footsteps moved away, and I cautiously opened the cupboard door a crack, peeking outside. The coast seemed clear, but I couldn't let my guard down yet.

"Stay quiet," I instructed the girl, my voice a low whisper. "We need to be very careful."

I slowly pushed the door open wider, ready to make my move. It was now or never.

"Avyansh ji..."

The faint whisper of his name echoed in my mind, mingling with the frantic beat of my heart. I heard the sound of cupboards opening one by one, the hinges creaking in the tense silence. My breath quickened, and I could feel the weight of dread pressing down on me.

Tears slipped from my eyes, blurring my vision as I glanced down at the little girl. Her doe-like eyes mirrored my own fear, filling with tears that glistened like tiny orbs of despair.

Suddenly, I heard the sound I dreaded most-the door of our cupboard was about to be opened.

I shut my eyes tight, praying silently that whoever it was would pass us by, that we would be overlooked just this once. The world outside felt so far away, the sounds of chaos and desperation fading into a distant echo.

I squeezed the girl tighter against me, her small frame trembling as we braced ourselves for the worst.

Please, no...

A hand reached for the cupboard door, its silhouette casting a shadow over us. My heart raced as the handle turned slowly, the metallic sound reverberating through the tight space.

This was it. Would we be found?

I held my breath, the silence around us thick and suffocating. Everything hinged on this moment.

With a deep, shuddering breath, I prepared myself for whatever would come next.

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