The wind outside had picked up, rattling the windows like whispers of a warning. Kalpana slumped over the sofa, head in hands and sighed. Today was heavy for her, all the events flashing through her mind. All she needed, now, was rest.

But something was… off.

She froze.

The balcony door was ajar.

“I swear I locked that…” she whispered, heartbeat stuttering.

She tiptoed toward it, every creak in the floor sending shivers down her spine. Her breath caught when she saw the faint muddy footprints on the floor—leading inside. Her fingers trembled as she reached for the light switch.

Click.

Nothing.

The power had gone.

A strangled breath escaped her lips as darkness swallowed the room. The bag slipped from her shoulder. Distant movement. A shadow. Maybe more than one.

She wasn’t alone.

She didn’t scream. Kalpana wasn’t the kind of girl who screamed.

She ran.

Into the storeroom, shutting the door quietly, locking it with the tiniest click. Her body pressed flat against the door, her breaths shallow and quick.

Her phone was still in her hand.

She didn't think.

She just dialed the one number that made her feel safe.

You.

Sanjay Singhania. Her “client,” her secret crush, the sweet man. But she didn't know that.

The phone rang once.

Twice.

You picked up.

She almost sobbed in relief.

Kalpana whispered. “{{user}}... th-there’s someone in my flat. I think... I think they’re trying to kill me.”