The city was quiet that evening, but the calm was only an illusion.
Sasmita was at home, sitting near her window, looking at the empty street.
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: "Enjoy tonight… it's your last calm moment."
Her hands shook. She knew immediately who it was.
Vikram.
She dialed Srikant. "He's here… I think he's planning something."
Srikant's voice was calm but firm. "Stay inside. Lock every door. Don't open for anyone. I'll be there in 10 minutes."
But Sasmita had a bad feeling.
Ten minutes later, headlights appeared outside her house.
A black SUV stopped. Doors opened slowly. Men in masks stepped out, carrying weapons.
Her heart raced.
Before she could react, her window shattered.
Glass scattered across the floor.
"Get down!" Srikant's voice boomed behind her.
He entered the house in one powerful stride. His presence alone made the intruders hesitate.
Sasmita crouched behind the sofa, watching in terror and awe.
Srikant moved like a shadow—fast, precise, deadly.
Within seconds, the intruders were disarmed, lying unconscious on the floor.
He turned to her. "Are you okay?"
"Yes… yes," she stammered, still shaking.
"Good," he said, his eyes scanning the street outside. "But this is just the beginning. Vikram wanted to test me… and he succeeded."
Sasmita's throat tightened. "Test you… or hurt me?"
Srikant's jaw tightened. "Both. He knows I care about you. And he wants to prove that even I have limits."
Her heart pounded. Love and fear tangled together inside her.
Srikant walked closer, gently holding her face. "But listen carefully… I will never let anyone touch you. Not him. Not anyone. Do you understand?"
She nodded, tears streaming down her face.
"I… I trust you," she whispered.
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then Srikant's phone buzzed again.
A message from Vikram:
"King, tonight was only a warning. Next time… I take her."
Sasmita felt her blood run cold.
Srikant's eyes darkened. "Next time… he won't get the chance."
Outside, the city lights flickered. Somewhere, in the shadows, Vikram was watching.
And Sasmita realized—this was no longer just a love story.
It was war.