Everything unfolded with a surprising ease. The smoothness was unsettling, even suspicious. No inquiries were made about his presence, no questioning glances thrown his way. Although he had yet to encounter a security guard, he maintained a constant state of vigilance.
He was on the cusp of reaching Lily’s room, and a wave of relief washed over him, knowing the end of his clandestine journey was near. However, upon reaching the room where he had last seen Lily, he was met with a chilling surprise. The room was empty; she was gone. An internal curse echoed through Pradeep’s mind, followed by a frantic question: What next? Yet, he remained undeterred, determined not to abandon his mission.