Page 163 of No Boss
The deal was done. Exactly as planned.
He hit send and allowed himself a small smile. Five days until the wedding. Everything was falling into place.
The door burst open.
Rajan stood at the threshold, pale, breath uneven, hands twisting together. “Hukum.”
Abhinav looked up. One glance at the boy’s face and the air in the room shifted. “What happened?”
“Meera didi…” Rajan swallowed. “She’s missing.”
“Missing?” The chair scraped against the floor as Abhinav rose. “How long?”
“Two hours. Maybe more. Her phone is left behind. Babuji and Gauri Maa Sa are searching everywhere. No one can find her.”
Abhinav was already moving before the words ended.
“Find Maa,” he ordered, striding past Rajan. “Tell her exactly what you told me.”
His shoes struck against the stone corridor as he walked fast. His mind raced faster.
Two hours. Phone left behind.
Meera, who informed people before stepping out for ten minutes. Meera, who knew every corridor, every blind corner of the Haveli.
This wasn’t carelessness. This was wrong.
He stepped into the courtyard.
Devendra stood at the center, surrounded by staff, giving instructions. His posture remained upright, but his hands were clasped too tight.
Relief crossed his face on seeing Abhinav. “Thakur Sa…”
“When was she last seen?”
“Two hours ago.” Devendra’s voice tightened. “Walking back to the quarters.”
“What was she wearing?”
“Yellow.” His composure cracked slightly. “She always tells us where she’s going. Always.”
Abhinav placed a hand on his shoulder. “Where have you checked, Uncle?”
“The temple first. Every room after. The guards at the gate did not see her leave.” Devendra drew in a breath. “This is not normal for her.”
“We’ll find her.” The promise came automatically. It had to.
At the far end, Gauri stood unmoving, hands folded before her. When her eyes met Abhinav’s, the calm fell away.
A mother’s silent plea, stripped of dignity.
Find her.
It struck deeper than panic.
Footsteps approached from behind. Sarita and Naina entered the courtyard together.
“She left after the mehendi discussions,” Sarita informed him.
