Hansraj University - Locked Storage Room, Back Wing
Teju's hands rattled the door handle with desperation, but it wouldn't budge. No matter how hard she turned or shoved-it was sealed shut, as if bound by something beyond mere locks.
Her chest rose and fell rapidly, panic creeping into her throat.
And then-she smelled it.
Smoke.
Teju turned sharply, and to her horror, the corners of the abandoned room were igniting, small flames licking up old boxes and cracked shelves. The fire spread unnaturally fast, slithering along the ground like it had a mind of its own.
"No, no, no-HELP!" she screamed, voice cracking. "Someone please-HELP ME!"
She banged against the door, pounding with all her strength, coughing as smoke invaded her lungs.
Outside, across the campus building-
East Valley University - Lecture Hall Corridor
Sahir stepped into the classroom, scanning the students.
His brow furrowed. "Teju?"
But she wasn't there.
A knot of unease curled in his stomach. He looked again, almost as if willing her to appear. She didn't.
He turned abruptly and walked out.
"Where is she?"
His steps quickened.
Hostel Block Entrance
Sahir stopped a girl exiting the hallway-Savi.
"You're Tejaswini's roommate, right?"
Savi nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Was she at the hostel this morning?"
"She left before I did, sir," Savi said, confused. "Said she was going early for lecture. Isn't she in class?"
Sahir's eyes darkened. "She isn't."
Savi's smile faltered. "Sir... that's not like her."
"Go back inside," he ordered gently. "Attend the lecture. I'll look for her."
As Savi walked off, worried, Sahir's mind raced.
Something felt wrong. Terribly wrong.
And then-
A faint cry.
Barely audible.
His eyes snapped to the far corridor near the disused classrooms. He sprinted in its direction, heart thudding in sync with the urgency rising in his chest.
Abandoned Storage Room - Seconds Later
Thick smoke poured from the cracks in the wood. The air was scorched and heavy. From inside-
"HELP-!"
Teju's voice.
Then-silence.
"Teju!" Sahir called out.
No response.
He clenched his jaw, stepped back-and with a burst of supernatural force-
SLAM!
The wooden door shattered as if it were paper. Smoke billowed out violently, and Sahir's eyes burned as he charged into the room without hesitation.
There she was.
Teju, unconscious.
Curled on the floor, her arms covering her head, surrounded by heat and flame.
Without a second thought, Sahir scooped her into his arms, shielding her body with his.
Then he raised one palm, eyes flashing subtly with light.
The fire receded.
Extinguished.
Sucked backward into ash as though scared of him.
He carried her out into the corridor, where faint fresh air met smoke, and gently laid her down on the cool floor. Her breathing was shallow. Her forehead slick with sweat.
"Teju..." he whispered urgently, tapping her cheek.
She stirred, slowly.
Her lashes fluttered open, eyes disoriented.
"You're safe now," Sahir said softly. "I've got you."
Their eyes met. Her confusion turned to disbelief, then relief.
But Sahir's mind raced behind the calm.
This wasn't an accident.
Someone had tried to kill her.
Goa Resort - Late Afternoon, After the Shoot
The sun dipped low over the sea, casting golden hues across the sprawling resort grounds. The musical ad shoot had wrapped, the final drone shot capturing Mihir and Maira framed by the orange sky and shimmering pool.
The crew clapped. Someone whistled. Mr. Khanna, the resort owner, looked more than pleased.
Maira let out a quiet breath of relief as she stepped aside, wrapping a shawl over her sensuous costume. It had been awkward at first, but she'd managed to pull it off. Professionally. With composure.
She was just about to return to her room when she heard Mihir's voice behind her.
"You're not running off already, are you?"
She turned to face him, surprised by the sudden casualness in his tone.
"I thought the shoot was over," she replied, adjusting the clipboard in her hand.
Mihir held up a sleek black invitation card, gold-inked and elegant. "Mr. Khanna is hosting a private poolside party tonight. A celebration of the ad shoot and a 'thank you' to the crew."
Maira blinked. "Oh."
He smirked faintly. "That was an invitation."
She hesitated. "For the whole team?"
"Selective guests," Mihir said smoothly. "You've earned your place. Be ready by eight."
She nodded slowly, caught off guard. "Alright, sir. Thank you."
As she turned to leave, she heard him murmur just loud enough to catch:
"And wear something... less formal this time."
Maira stiffened, then walked on, her expression unreadable.
College Infirmary - Late Afternoon
The pale ceiling light hummed faintly above, casting a sterile glow across the infirmary. Teju sat up against the pillow, a glass of water in her hands, though her fingers trembled slightly from the shock still echoing through her.
Sahir stood by the window, his back to her, his arms folded tightly across his chest.
"I don't understand how the fire even started," Teju said, her voice quiet but strained. "That room... it was empty. And it locked itself. I swear, sir, I wasn't imagining things."
Sahir turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Tell me everything again. From the beginning."
Teju nodded and took a breath. "I was walking to class when a boy tapped my shoulder. Around my age, maybe a senior. He said someone was calling me and pointed to the old storage room. I thought maybe it was someone from the college office or even some prank. So I went. The door was half open, but the moment I stepped in... it slammed shut."
Sahir didn't interrupt.
"There was no one inside. I checked. But then... I started smelling smoke. And within seconds, there was fire-everywhere. I screamed, but no one came. I... I blacked out before you broke in."
There was a silence between them, heavy and tense. Teju glanced down at her fingers. "I don't know what's happening, sir. But this doesn't feel normal. And it's not the first time."
Sahir's voice was calm but firm. "What do you mean?"
Teju looked up. "Last night... I thought I heard someone whispering my name. Twice. I even stepped outside to check, but no one was there. I thought maybe I was just nervous about my first week."
Sahir's jaw clenched subtly, but his voice remained composed. "From now on, you don't leave your room after dark. Not for anyone. Not unless I say so."
Teju blinked. "You think it's that serious?"
"I think," Sahir said slowly, "that you might be in danger. And I'd rather be cautious than regretful."
She nodded silently, visibly shaken but trusting his judgment.
Sahir stepped closer and softened his tone. "Go back to your hostel room. Rest. Keep the windows closed tonight. If you hear anything strange... ignore it. And lock your door."
"I will," Teju whispered, her voice barely audible.
As Sahir left the infirmary, his eyes hardened with resolve. Something unnatural was circling Tejaswini Kakkar-and it was no coincidence.
Not anymore.
Goa Resort - Pool Party, Nightfall
The pool shimmered under lanternlight, waves of gold and azure dancing across the water's surface as music pulsed gently through the air. Clinking glasses and light-hearted chatter echoed all around the deck, where Goa's elite swayed in designer gowns and tailored tuxedos.
Maira entered quietly, her turquoise dress catching the moonlight, a soft breeze lifting the ends of her hair. Her eyes scanned the sea of unfamiliar faces until they found him.
Mihir.
He stood near the bar, surrounded by admirers and associates, drink in hand, laughter stitched to his lips. When he caught sight of her, his smirk curved knowingly, and he lifted his glass.
"Maira," he called out, smooth as ever. "Perfect timing."
She walked over, composed and collected. The growing pit in her stomach was neatly hidden beneath her professional posture.
"You look... decent," Mihir added, eyes roving lazily. "I almost thought you'd skip. That would've been a pity."
"I wouldn't ignore Mr. Khanna's invitation," she replied carefully. "It's my job to represent DDS, sir."
He chuckled under his breath. "Of course. You've always taken your job... quite seriously."
The moment dragged. A flicker of something strange passed through Mihir's gaze-something unreadable, simmering beneath the charm.
Then he lifted a finger and signaled to the DJ booth.
"Let's give the guests something memorable," he said with a wink.
The music faded. Lights dimmed slightly. All heads turned to the projector now casting its glow over the pool deck.
At first, applause followed. It was the ad-him and Maira under cascading water, caught in a poetic moment, his voice echoing with Tu Aashiqui. Their chemistry was undeniable onscreen, the mood dreamy, cinematic.
But the applause stopped.
The video dissolved-replaced now by something grainy. Secret photos. Still shots.
Mihir and Maira. Last night. In the pool. Wet. Close. Unaware of the camera.
An audible murmur rippled through the crowd.
Then more stills appeared-intimate angles of their accidental fall, framed like stolen moments.
Then his voice came over the speakers, casual... mocking.
> "I've worked with many assistants. But Maira here... she's different. Whether as a PA or a... casual hook-up-she's exceptionally talented. Especially when there's money involved."
The crowd broke into awkward laughter. Some gasped. Others simply gawked, phones already raised.
And Maira?
She stood still.
Frozen.
Like glass struck by a stone, just before it shatters.
Her heart wasn't beating-it was thundering. Her thoughts weren't forming-they were spiraling. She felt the world slow around her. The laughter sounded muffled, distant, like it was happening in another realm.
Why?
Why would Mihir do this?
To humiliate her?
To punish her?
What had she done?
Was this about work? Was it about Urvi? Was it something else entirely?
She couldn't look away from the screen, even though she wanted to. Her pendant glowed faintly against her chest, reacting to something darker than magic-betrayal.
She didn't move. Couldn't speak. Her body felt like stone, her face stripped of all expression, save the quiet horror behind her eyes.
And Mihir?
He said nothing else. Just watched her.
Smiling.
As if he hadn't just ripped the ground out from under her feet.