The night was thick with an eerie silence as Aarav drove through the dense, shadowy forest. The moonlight barely pierced through the thick canopy, casting faint, ghostly shadows on the narrow, winding road. Aarav checked the clock on the dashboard; he was running on a tight schedule. His thoughts briefly drifted to Rhea, remembering the promise he made to be home by morning.

Far behind, another car followed him at a safe distance. He knew it was his bodyguard and Raj, his trusted aide, ensuring his safety. Aarav's grip on the steering wheel tightened as the disposable phone he carried for security purposes buzzed.

"Hello?" Aarav answered, keeping his voice steady.

"Aarav, your suspicion was right," Arjun's voice came through, tense and hurried. "Where are you?"

"I'm almost there. What's happening?" Aarav asked, a hint of worry creeping into his voice.