Chapter 62

                                    

                                          

                            

                                
                            
                              
                                  
                              
                              
                                
                                  
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                            
                            
                          
                          
Aastha, Veer, Suraj, and a few guards ventured deeper into the fort. The tension in the air grew heavier with each step as they called out Kiara's name, hoping she would respond.
"Kiara!" they called out repeatedly, their voices echoing against the old stone walls.
As they reached the second floor of the fort, Aastha suggested, "Let's spread out and cover more ground. We can find her faster that way."
"No!" Veer and Suraj said in unison, their protectiveness flaring again. Aastha glared at them, frustrated by their over-caution. "If you want to find her quickly, we need to split up. We can cover more ground that way. Come on!"
"Listen—" Suraj began, but before he could finish, Aastha grabbed his phone from his pocket. She dialed her own number and put the call on speaker, linking Veer's phone to the conversation as well.
"We'll stay connected on the phone, okay? This way, you can check on me anytime and get to me quickly if something goes wrong. You guys can stop worrying for a moment. Sounds good?" she suggested, her tone practical.
Suraj and Veer exchanged glances, knowing they didn't have much of a choice. "Please, Bhai sa!" Aastha pleaded to Suraj before turning to Veer. "We don't have time to waste!"
Suraj sighed, reluctantly agreeing. "Fine. Just keep talking to me."
Aastha nodded quickly. "Okay, you go that way, I'll take this path, and Veer can go upstairs. We'll find her faster."
With the plan set, they split up, each moving into different sections of the fort. The occasional murmurs over the phone kept them connected, though most of the conversation was Suraj telling Aastha to be careful, and Veer checking on her every few moments. "Kiara!" Aastha continued calling out as she moved, but there was no response, only silence.
Aastha soon found herself standing in front of the west wing door she had seen earlier. She realized she had forgotten to lock it before and was about to do so when she heard faint noises coming from inside. Curious, she took a few hesitant steps forward, ignoring Veer's voice over the phone asking where she was. Not wanting to alarm him, she gave vague directions, "Just near the west wing, nothing to worry about."
Inside, Aastha noticed a few crows fluttering near an open window. She groaned, "It's just some crows. They flew in through the window."
"Aastha, you sure?" Suraj asked, his tone still concerned.
"Yes, I'm fine. Instead of focusing on me, please keep looking for Kiara!" Aastha insisted, wanting them to concentrate on the search.
Suraj and Veer reluctantly turned their attention back to finding Kiara, though their conversations grew quieter. Over the line, all they could hear was each other's occasional breathing and the repeated calls for Kiara's name.
Curing Veer under her breath for leaving the window open, Aastha moved to close the window. That's when something caught her attention—the crows were acting strangely, their eyes glowing red as they seemed to focus on her. A sudden chill ran down her spine, but she steadied herself, reminding herself of all the strange encounters she'd faced before—from Miragari Hills to everything since. She wouldn't let fear control her now.