The early morning light crept into the warehouse, casting long shadows across the cold concrete floor. Karishma, though tied to the chair, stared defiantly at Anubhav. Fear tightened her chest, but she refused to let it show. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction.
Anubhav paced like a caged animal, ranting about control and power, his voice sharp against the stillness of dawn. Aditi watched them closely, her presence commanding as she leaned against a stack of crates. A group of hired goons stood nearby, watching Karishma with cold, detached expressions.
"Anubhav, focus," Aditi's voice cut through the tension like a knife. She eyed him with a mixture of frustration and concern, "We don't have much time."
Karishma's heart pounded as her eyes shifted to Aditi. She knew there was no negotiating with this woman. Her fear simmered beneath her surface, but her gaze remained steady, calculating, as she tested the ropes binding her wrists. Her mind raced, looking for a way out.
Just then, the door burst open.
Meha and her team stormed in, weapons raised, their eyes scanning the scene with precision. "Police! Drop everything and step away!" Meha's voice was sharp and authoritative, cutting through the thick tension.
Meha took a slow step forward, her team moving to surround him, "You've got nowhere to go, Anubhav. Don't make it worse for yourself."
Karishma, still bound to the chair, relaxed, her heart raced in anticipation as her eyes flicked between Meha and Anubhav.
Then it happened in a blur.
Anubhav, with a sudden burst of desperation, spun toward the back of the warehouse. His feet pounded against the concrete floor as he bolted toward the broken window, hoping to slip out before Meha or her team could react.
"Stop him!" Meha shouted, springing into action. She dashed after him, her boots slamming against the floor, her breath steady despite the chaos unfolding. Her team fanned out, moving to block any other exits.
Anubhav reached the window and hurled himself toward it, but as his body crashed through the glass, he underestimated the jagged shards still clinging to the frame. He cried out as one slashed across his arm, blood immediately staining his shirt.
He landed hard on the ground outside with a groan, clutching his arm. He tried to push himself to his feet, limping toward the alley.
Meha was already there. She had anticipated his path. In a flash, she had him in her sights.
"Anubhav, stop!" she ordered, her voice firm but calm as she raised her gun. He hesitated, panting, his wounded arm trembling. He glanced back at her, wild desperation in his eyes.
Meha's finger hovered over the trigger. "You're not going to get away. Give up. Now."
Anubhav staggered but kept moving, trying to pull himself together. His defiance hadn't burned out yet.
A shot rang out.
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.
.
Not a kill shot-just a warning. The bullet hit the ground a few feet in front of him, sending up a spray of dust and pebbles.
"Last warning," Meha said, her voice low and unwavering.
Anubhav froze. His breath ragged, his body battered, and he slowly raised his hands in surrender.