13. The Rescue

Author

After the electrifying badminton match that had the players laughing and joking about their performances, the mood shifted as they retired to their suites. Outside the players' rooms, officers subtly blended into the hotel staff, their keen eyes scanning every movement, every shadow, ensuring the safety of their charges.

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit, soundproof room on the hotel's lower floor, the air reeked of sweat and fear. A man sat bound to a steel chair, his face battered, his breathing ragged. Dried blood caked the corner of his mouth, and his eyes darted around the room, pleading for mercy he would never receive.

The door creaked open, and Bhavin entered, his gaze sharp as he quickly scanned the surroundings before locking it behind him. He turned to the team huddled near the prisoner. "Did he spill anything?" he asked, his voice low and cold.

Rakshith stepped forward, his silhouette imposing under the dim, flickering light. "Not yet," he replied, his tone calm but laced with a quiet menace. Rolling his sleeves up, he approached the prisoner with slow, deliberate steps. "But he will," he added, his confidence chilling.

Ananya stood to the side, her arms crossed, her expression a perfect mask of professionalism, though her mind raced with the stakes of their mission. Her sharp eyes turned to Vikram, who was pacing near a laptop. "Any leads from the phone?" she asked, a slight edge of urgency in her tone.

"Nothing solid," Vikram said, cracking his knuckles in frustration. "Clean as if someone scrubbed it professionally."

The room fell into a tense silence, broken only by the whirring of the ceiling fan and the prisoner's labored breathing. Then, Rakshith struck. The prisoner's scream tore through the air as Rakshith applied precise pressure to his dislocated shoulder, sending a fresh wave of pain coursing through his body. "We're done playing games," Rakshith hissed, leaning in close. "Talk, or I'll make sure you never use that arm again."

The man's cries grew desperate, but the officers remained stone-faced, their resolve unshaken.

Ananya leaned against the wall, her gaze unwavering. "He's close to breaking," she muttered to Bhavin, who nodded grimly. The room was a pressure cooker, and the timer was about to hit zero.

"I... I'll say!" The man's voice cracked, his resolve shattered after hours of relentless torture. His body sagged against the chair, every muscle trembling from exhaustion and pain.

Rakshith crouched in front of him, his fingers digging mercilessly into the man's hair as he yanked his head up. The man whimpered, tears streaking his bruised face. "Bark," Rakshith ordered coldly, his expression a mask of steel.

"They... They're planning to kidnap the coach today," the man stammered, his voice raw from screaming. "They forced the chef to help them!" His words tumbled out in a desperate rush as he winced at the sharp pull on his scalp.

For a moment, the room was deathly quiet, the team exchanging tense glances as they processed the revelation. The only sound was the man's ragged breathing and the faint buzz of the fluorescent light above them.

"How is the chef supposed to help them?" Rakshith's voice broke the silence, sharp and unyielding. His gaze bore into the prisoner, demanding answers.

The man hesitated, his lips trembling as he glanced between the officers. That brief moment of silence was enough to ignite Bhavin's simmering frustration. Without warning, Bhavin stepped forward and delivered a resounding slap across the man's face. The force sent the chair screeching back a few inches, the sound jarring in the enclosed space.

"We don't have all day to entertain your games," Bhavin snapped, his voice like the crack of a whip. He leaned in, his glare piercing and unrelenting. "Now bark. Or you won't like what comes next."

The man's resolve crumbled further, his body visibly shaking. "He... He's going to add something to the food," he blurted out, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Something meant for the players... tonight's dinner!"

His voice broke into pleas, begging for release, but his words were drowned out by the officers' focused determination. The team exchanged grim nods before stepping out of the room, their boots echoing ominously against the tiled floor.

Ananya paused by the door, her hand lingering on the lock. She glanced back at the prisoner, her gaze icy. "You've earned yourself a longer stay," she said flatly before turning the key with a decisive click. The sound of the lock engaging was final, a reminder that his fate was no longer in his own hands.

Outside, the team huddled together, their expressions grim but resolute. "We need to find that chef now," Ananya said, her voice sharp with urgency. "And we need to secure the players before this gets out of hand."

The officers reconvened in Ananya's room, the air thick with urgency. Ananya's hands moved swiftly over her phone as she dialed Mr. Kulkarni, their superior. The rest of the team gathered around her, their faces set with grim determination.

After briefing Mr. Kulkarni on the situation, Ananya turned to her team. "We're going to need full cooperation from the hotel staff. No delays, no excuses," she said firmly. Her words carried the weight of command, and everyone nodded in agreement.

The hotel manager's resistance was expected but short-lived. A single call from Mr. Kulkarni had him relenting, his tone shifting from outrage to begrudging compliance. The team wasted no time assembling the chefs in one of the hotel's meeting rooms.

Inside the room, a dozen chefs stood in uneasy silence, their starched uniforms now feeling like straight jackets under the officers' watchful eyes. Ananya and Vikram stood at the head of the room, their expressions impenetrable.

"We'll speak to you all one by one," Ananya announced, her voice calm yet authoritative. "Please cooperate fully. The safety of lives depends on it."

The officers began their interrogations. One by one, the chefs were called into an adjoining room. Outside, the rest waited, their nervous glances betraying their unease. Meanwhile, police teams had been dispatched to check on the families of the chefs, a crucial step in unraveling the kidnappers' leverage.

Finally, it was Mr. Ahuja's turn. The man in his 50s shuffled into the room, his demeanor nervous despite his attempts at bravado. He sat down, his hands fidgeting as Vikram leaned forward, his gaze unyielding.

"Mr. Ahuja, what are you planning to add to tonight's dinner for the players?" Vikram asked bluntly. His tone was sharp, slicing through the chef's attempt at composure.

"What will I add? I don't know what you're talking about," Mr. Ahuja replied, his voice defensive, though a slight tremor betrayed his fear.

Ananya stepped closer, her presence steady and grounding. "Mr. Ahuja," she began, her voice softer yet no less firm. "We know you've been threatened. We're here to help. But we need you to trust us and tell us the truth."

The chef's eyes darted nervously, sweat beading at his temples. "I... I don't know what you mean," he stammered, but the slight quiver in his tone didn't escape their notice.

"Anchal is your daughter, isn't she?" Vikram's question landed like a thunderclap. Mr. Ahuja froze, his face draining of color.

He nodded slowly, his lips trembling as his facade began to crumble. "Y-yes," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Vikram didn't pause. "We know she's been kidnapped. We also know they've threatened you to tamper with the players' food."

At those words, the man broke. He clutched his head in his hands, his shoulders shaking as sobs racked his body. "They'll kill my Gudiya if I don't do as they say," he cried, the anguish in his voice cutting through even the hardened resolve of the officers.

Ananya knelt beside him, her hand resting gently on his shoulder. "We'll get her back," she promised, her voice steady and resolute. "But we need you to work with us. Trust us to protect her."

Tears streamed down Mr. Ahuja's face as he nodded, the image of his battered daughter flashing in his mind. The kidnappers had sent him a video—a cruel display of her suffering to ensure his compliance.

"They told me to mix something in their food... some kind of sedative," he confessed, his voice trembling.

"Good. That's all we need for now," Ananya said, handing him a glass of water. "You'll go back to your station and act normal. Don't let on that anything is wrong. We'll take care of the rest."

Vikram added sternly, "And don't breathe a word of this to anyone. Not a soul."

Once the interrogation was complete, Mr. Ahuja was escorted back to the kitchen, his steps heavier but steadier now, bolstered by the officers' assurances.

As the chefs were dismissed, the team regrouped, their expressions a mix of determination and empathy. "We've got a lead," Ananya said, her eyes meeting Vikram's. "Now let's make sure it counts."

The stakes had never been higher, but they were ready. The clock was ticking, and failure was not an option.

"Shika, keep a close watch on Mr. Ahuja. Monitor his every move and anyone who interacts with him," Rakshith commanded, his tone sharp and unwavering. Shika nodded briskly, her focus immediately shifting to the task at hand as she left the room.

"Nithin, the surveillance room is yours. I want eyes on every corridor, every entrance, and every exit. No blind spots," he continued, turning to Nithin.

"Understood," Nithin replied, determination flickering in his eyes. He headed straight for the surveillance room, his mind already mapping out the camera angles to prioritize.

"Ananya, coordinate with the local police. Get a discreet team assigned to handle Anchal's matter. We don't want to tip anyone off," Vikram instructed, his voice steady yet urgent.

Ananya nodded, pulling out her phone with swift efficiency. Within moments, she was on the line, issuing orders to ensure Anchal's rescue operation was underway without compromising the larger mission.

Rakshith's gaze swept over his team, his jaw tightening. "Today is the day. We either stop them here, or we risk losing the coach—and who knows what else."

"Failure isn't an option," Bhavin said, his voice firm, his words aligning with the resolve in the room.

The four of them regrouped in Rakshith's suite, the walls now covered with a map of the hotel, blueprints, and surveillance screenshots. Each of them scanned the plans meticulously, their sharp minds identifying weak spots and potential vulnerabilities.

"Hidden exits here and here," Ananya pointed at the map, her finger tapping on service doors that led to the back alley.

"They'll likely use one of these if things go south," Bhavin added, marking escape routes that fed into the city's busiest areas.

"They'll need a quick getaway. Have the local police secure these routes without being too conspicuous," Rakshith said, glancing at Vikram.

"Already on it," Vikram replied, sending out a series of encrypted messages.

The local police mobilized swiftly under their instructions. Bus stations, railway terminals, and the airport came under discreet surveillance. Checkpoints were quietly established on all major roads leading out of the city. Officers in plain clothes blended seamlessly with civilians, their eyes scanning for any suspicious activity.

Meanwhile, back at the hotel, Ananya's phone buzzed with updates from the team handling Anchal's case. "They've located her," she announced, her voice steady but tinged with relief.

"Condition?" Vikram asked immediately.

"Stable, but she's still being held. The kidnappers are staying put for now, likely waiting for confirmation of the coach's capture before making their move," Ananya replied, her brows furrowed.

"Good. Tell them to maintain surveillance but hold off on the rescue until we secure the coach. We need to coordinate both operations perfectly," Rakshith instructed.

The team worked like clockwork, refining their strategy with precision. They knew the terrorists would be watching for any misstep, any indication that their plans had been discovered.

As the clock ticked closer to dinner service, tension filled the air. Rakshith stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the bustling city below. "They think they have the upper hand," he murmured, a determined glint in his eyes.

"But they don't know who they're up against," Ananya finished, her voice filled with quiet confidence.

The stage was set, the pieces in place. All they had to do now was wait—and strike when the moment was right.

"They shouldn't leave this hotel today," Vikram said firmly, his voice carrying a sharp edge of resolve. The others nodded in agreement, their faces shadowed with determination.

As the evening deepened and the sky turned an inky black, the hotel's atmosphere seemed untouched by the tension simmering beneath. The players, blissfully unaware of the lurking danger, mingled in the dining hall, their laughter and chatter blending with the soft clinking of cutlery. Guests wandered through the lobby, some heading to the lounge, while others enjoyed the live music echoing gently through the corridors.

In the heart of the action, the kitchen staff bustled about, appearing busy but keeping a sharp ear out for any unusual commands. The officers stationed throughout the hotel adopted an air of nonchalance, masking their vigilance with casual body language and polite smiles.

The real work began once the players vacated their rooms for dinner. Moving with precision, the officers quietly entered each suite, conducting a meticulous sweep. Every nook, every corner, every piece of furniture was examined for hidden devices or signs of tampering. Rakshith's sharp gaze lingered on a suspiciously misplaced pillow before discarding it as harmless.

Bhavin kept watch outside the corridors, alert for any unexpected movement. His hand hovered near his concealed weapon, ready to act at the faintest hint of trouble.

Ananya worked methodically, her mind ticking through a mental checklist as she ensured the rooms were free from danger. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on her, but she pushed it aside to focus on the task.

"Clear," she whispered into her communicator as she slipped out of a room, closing the door softly behind her.

Each officer completed their sweep in silence, their footsteps light against the carpeted floors. By the time the players returned to their suites after dinner, there was no trace of the intrusion.

The officers regrouped discreetly in a designated spot, exchanging brief nods as they confirmed that everything was in order. From the outside, they seemed to blend seamlessly into the bustling activity of the hotel, but beneath their calm exteriors, they were ready to pounce at the first sign of a threat.

The night was far from over, and as they joined the crowd, their resolve only deepened. This wasn't just another operation—it was a fight to ensure that no harm came to those under their protection.

"Shaurya," Ananya called softly, her voice hesitant but firm as she spotted him strolling casually in the lobby, his eyes fixed on his phone.

"Hmm?" Shaurya looked up, raising an eyebrow as a playful grin curved his lips. His relaxed demeanor momentarily eased the tension in her chest.

"We won't be able to meet tonight," she informed him, her teeth catching her lower lip as she braced for his reaction. Her heart sank a little at the thought of disappointing him, but she couldn't risk him wandering out of his room during the operation.

"Why is that?" he asked, folding his arms over his chest. The slight furrow of his brow and the way his lips pressed into a thin line betrayed his displeasure.

"Shika isn't feeling well," she explained, her voice faltering slightly as she tried to make it sound natural. "So I'll need to take care of her tonight."

Shaurya stared at her for a moment, his intense gaze making her shift uncomfortably. Then, with a resigned sigh, he nodded. "Alright. But," he added, his expression softening into a mischievous smirk, "you better make up for it."

Ananya couldn't help but chuckle, relief washing over her at his understanding. "I will," she promised, her voice light but sincere.

"Good." With that, Shaurya reached out and pinched her cheek playfully, the unexpected gesture sending a warm flush across her face. His laughter rang softly as he turned toward the elevator, leaving her standing there, cheeks tinted and lips curved in an involuntary smile.

She watched him until he stepped into the elevator, his casual wave disappearing as the doors slid shut. The moment he was gone, her smile faded, replaced by the weight of responsibility that pressed heavily on her shoulders.

Straightening her posture, Ananya inhaled deeply, willing the calm Shaurya's presence brought her to linger a little longer. But reality crept in fast, and she steeled herself, her mind returning to the mission ahead. There was no room for distraction tonight, no matter how much she longed for just a little more time with him.

As the night wore on, a thick tension hung in the air. The hotel, once bustling with laughter and activity, now felt eerily still. The only sounds that echoed through the dark hallways were the distant footsteps of late-night guests and the hum of the security systems—until, without warning, it all went dark. The lights blinked off one by one, plunging the entire building into a suffocating silence. The generators sputtered, and soon the hum of electricity ceased entirely.

Ananya's breath caught in her throat as the sudden blackout enveloped the hotel. It wasn't just the lights that went out—it was everything. The cameras monitoring every inch of the building flickered and died, leaving the team blind in the darkness. In a fraction of a second, the entire world felt like it had gone to sleep, but not for the team.

In the deafening silence, Bhavin's voice came through their Bluetooth, steady and focused. "I guess they're here."

Ananya's pulse quickened as she exchanged a glance with Vikram. His lips were pressed together in a thin line, his eyes scanning the pitch-black hallway with a sharp focus. The mission had officially entered its most dangerous phase.

"Stay focused," Rakshith's voice came through the comms, low but urgent. "We've got to act fast."

The sound of footsteps echoing through the halls was deafening as the attackers, now emboldened by the darkness, moved through the hotel, unaware of the traps set in place by the officers. The team's coordination was flawless, a well-oiled machine that had been working towards this moment for days.

In a split second, the officers leaped into action. Bhavin, with a quick hand movement, signaled the others, and within moments, the first two kidnappers were taken down. Their bodies hit the ground with muffled thuds as the team expertly dragged them into a nearby utility closet, their movements swift and silent. The power may have gone out, but the team's training never did.

Despite the two attackers being neutralized, the challenge had just begun. As the hotel's power outage threw the building into disarray, the guests—unaware of the situation—began to spill out of their rooms, curiously and unknowingly stepping into the path of danger. The once-quiet hallways soon began to fill with the soft murmur of confused voices. The last thing the team needed was civilians getting caught in the crossfire.

"Ananya, Vikram," Rakshith's voice cut through the chaos, "Go and check on the coach. Stay with him. Get him out of here. The attackers are more in number and we can't risk losing coach." His tone was clipped, and professional, and Ananya didn't hesitate. She shot Vikram a nod, and together, they moved swiftly into the shadows, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpeting beneath them.

The hotel's dim emergency lights barely illuminated the corridor as they approached the coach's suite. Ananya's heart beat faster with each step. They couldn't afford any mistakes tonight—not after everything that had been set into motion. The stakes were too high. The plan had to succeed.

Ananya paused at the door, her hand hovering just above the handle as she signaled for Vikram to check the area first. He nodded and, with the speed of a shadow, moved down the hallway, disappearing into the darkness. Ananya remained still, every muscle in her body tense, her senses heightened. She could hear the faint sounds of people moving in their rooms, unaware of the chaos happening just beyond their door.

"All clear," Vikram whispered through the Bluetooth, his voice like a ghost in the night. Ananya exhaled softly, relieved but not yet comfortable. There was still so much that could go wrong.

Ananya's mind raced. Their mission had gone from covert operation to imminent danger in a heartbeat. They had to get the coach to safety before the kidnappers realized what was happening. And the coach—he had no idea what was going on. He was just a celebrity, unaware of the deadly game unfolding around him. The officers were about to break the news to him, but once they did, there would be no turning back.

Without a word, Ananya turned the handle and slipped into the coach's suite. The room was dark, save for the emergency lights flickering on the edges of the furniture. The coach sat at his desk, oblivious to the impending danger as he flipped through papers. He hadn't noticed the team's arrival. Ananya's heartbeat quickened as she scanned the room, every inch of it, searching for any signs of movement, any indication that the kidnappers had gotten to him first.

"Coach," Vikram spoke up, his voice steady but low enough to not draw attention.

The coach jumped, startled by the unexpected voices, but quickly relaxed when he saw who it was. "What's going on? Why is the power out? And why are you two in my room?"

Ananya stepped into the room, her voice calm but firm. "Coach, I need you to listen carefully. What I'm about to tell you isn't easy, but it's critical that you understand. You're in danger, and we're here to protect you."

The coach blinked, clearly confused. "Danger? What are you talking about? I thought you were reporters, working on the documentary about the players."

Vikram, standing slightly to the side, stepped forward. "We are reporters, but we're also part of a special team. Our job isn't just to document your life—it's to ensure your safety. You're not just here for an interview, Coach. We've been assigned to protect you because there's a threat against your life tonight."

The words hit the coach like a sledgehammer. He blinked, his mind struggling to process what he was hearing. His hands trembled slightly as he set down the papers.

"Threat? What are you talking about?" His voice wavered slightly, the hint of panic seeping through.

Ananya approached him, her tone steady but filled with urgency. "There's a group of men here who plan to kidnap you. We've been tracking them, and they're already inside the hotel. We need to get you out of here, Coach, and we need to move quickly."

The room seemed to tilt around the coach as the truth began to settle in. He stared at Ananya and Vikram, disbelief etched across his face. "Kidnappers?" he repeated, his voice hoarse. "But why me? What do they want?"

Vikram exchanged a quick glance with Ananya before stepping forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "It's not about you personally. They want leverage, and you're the key. They know the cricketers' influence and you are also the husband of a central minister, and they're going to use that to get what they want."

The coach's jaw tightened as he processed the information, his mind racing. He hadn't signed up for anything like this. He had been told it was just a documentary—an opportunity to show the world the behind-the-scenes life of a cricketer. The idea that he was now the target of a kidnapping plot seemed almost unreal.

"I don't understand," he murmured, running a hand through his hair. "This isn't supposed to be happening. This is all... so much."

Ananya's gaze softened for a moment before she steeled herself again. "We understand that this is overwhelming, Coach. But there's no time to explain everything right now. We need to move. If we don't get you out of here now, it'll be too late. You'll be right in the middle of their plans."

Vikram stepped in, his voice firm but comforting. "We have a plan, but we need your cooperation. There are police officers outside, and they're going to help guide us through the safest route. All you have to do is stay close to us, and don't make a sound. You won't be in any danger as long as you follow our instructions."

The coach looked at both of them, his face pale but his eyes steady. "I trust you both. Just... tell me what to do."

Ananya gave a tight nod and moved toward the door, signaling for Vikram to follow her. They couldn't afford to waste another second. "Good. We're getting you out of here, Coach. Stick to us, and don't look back."

The trio moved quickly but quietly down the hallway, the weight of their task hanging heavy in the air. Every creak of the floorboards underfoot seemed magnified in the silence. Ananya's senses were heightened, and her body was trained to anticipate every possible threat. The stakes had never been higher.

Outside, the hotel had descended into chaos. The blackout had thrown everyone into disarray, and people were beginning to spill out of their rooms, unsure of what was happening but curious nonetheless. The attackers were scattered through the building, and the officers were working hard to keep the situation under control.

Bhavin's voice crackled in Ananya's earpiece. "We've neutralized two of the attackers, but we still have more to deal with. Stay sharp, and keep moving. We'll cover you."

Ananya's heart raced. The coach was too important to risk. She had to keep him focused, keep him moving. She reached for his arm and guided him swiftly through the hallway, her eyes scanning every shadow, every corner. Vikram was on high alert, flanking them as they navigated the maze-like corridors.

It was as though the walls themselves were closing in. But despite the danger, Ananya's training kicked in. She knew exactly what to do, and more importantly, she knew how to keep the coach calm.

They reached the stairwell, the final checkpoint before they could reach the designated exit. Ananya glanced at Vikram, and then at the coach. "We're almost there, Coach. Just a little further. Stay close, and don't make a sound. We'll be out of here in no time."

Just then, a door at the end of the hallway creaked open. Ananya's heart stopped. She froze, her eyes locking on the figure that had just stepped into the hallway—one of the kidnappers.

The man was tall, dressed in black, and his eyes were scanning the darkness, clearly looking for anyone out of place.

Ananya's hand instinctively went to her stun gun, her fingers tightening around it.

The coach's eyes widened in fear as he noticed the man too, but before he could make a sound, Ananya grabbed his arm, pulling him behind a corner.

Vikram's hand shot out, signaling for silence. They needed to be quick.

The attacker stepped closer, and Ananya's pulse raced as she counted the seconds. It was too close. They had no choice but to move.

"On my count," she whispered. "One, two..."

"Three."

The moment Ananya gave the signal, she sprang into action. She grabbed the coach's arm and yanked him swiftly around the corner. The move was calculated, and precise—there was no time to hesitate. The kidnapper was only a few steps away, and every breath they took seemed to echo in the tension-filled hallway.

Vikram was right behind them, his hand already on the stun gun at his belt, ready to incapacitate the enemy if necessary. But Ananya's mind was working quickly—there had to be a way out without alerting anyone else.

She pushed the coach against the wall, her body positioned between him and the kidnapper. Her breath was shallow, her heart pounding in her ears, but her focus was sharp. She listened intently, waiting for the sound of the attacker's footsteps to draw nearer, waiting for the perfect moment.

The kidnapper was just two feet away now. He stopped, sensing something was off. He paused, his head tilted slightly, scanning the hall. Ananya held her breath, praying he wouldn't hear the rapid thumping of her heart.

But Vikram was ready. He moved in behind the kidnapper, and in a fluid motion, he reached out, wrapping his arm around the man's neck. The kidnapper let out a startled gasp, but it was too late. Vikram applied pressure, locking the man in a chokehold that sent him to the ground in a matter of seconds.

Ananya's pulse raced as she gave Vikram a quick nod. "Nice work. Let's move."

The coach looked at them, wide-eyed, his face pale with fear. "What was that? Who was he?"

Ananya didn't stop to answer him. "Not now, Coach. We need to get you out of here—right now."

They moved swiftly through the hotel, silent and steady, sticking to the shadows, avoiding any other potential threats. Ananya kept glancing behind them, her mind scanning the surroundings, looking for any sign of movement. They couldn't afford to be ambushed, not now when they were so close to the exit.

They made their way to the rear service entrance of the hotel. The door was slightly ajar, a signal from the backup team that the way was clear. Ananya gestured for the coach to follow her, and they moved quickly through the darkened back hallways, passing the deserted kitchen and storage areas. The smell of cold food and cleaning supplies filled the air, but there was no time to notice the details.

The sound of shuffling footsteps echoed faintly from the front of the building, and Ananya's heart skipped a beat. The attackers were moving, and they were closing in fast. It was a race now—a race to get to the secure vehicle parked outside and away from the hotel before the kidnappers figured out what had just happened.

They reached the service entrance, and Vikram held the door open for them. Ananya led the coach out into the cool night air. The city was dark, the streetlights casting long, dim shadows along the deserted road.

Ananya's pulse quickened. They were so close. They had to make sure the coach got to the van before the kidnappers could close in on them.

The coach, though startled, kept up with their pace. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

Ananya didn't have time to reassure him. "No time for doubts. Move!"

They reached the kitchen's back exit, where the rear service door was already open, ready for them to slip out undetected. Shika appeared from the shadows, her stance poised and calm, her gun ready, just in case.

"Coach," she said quietly, "Go to the van. Nithin's already got the route mapped out. Police are waiting for you. We'll keep you safe."

Nithin, his voice clear over the comms, spoke directly to Shika. "I've got eyes on the van. It's clear, but hurry. They're getting closer."

The coach hesitated, his fear still evident, but something in Shika's unwavering confidence seemed to calm him. He nodded, trusting her words. "Alright. I'll go with you."

The team watched as the coach made his way toward the van, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the now-empty corridor. Ananya and Vikram remained on high alert, their eyes scanning the space around them.

"Shika, Nithin, you two keep moving. Don't let the coach out of sight," Rakshith commanded through Bluetooth, his voice a low rumble of authority.

"On it," Shika replied, her eyes locked on the coach as he disappeared into the darkness, making his way to safety.

But their work wasn't done. Ananya, Vikram, Shika, and Nithin had to return to the hotel. The attackers were still inside, and they needed to take them down before they could make another move.

The team split up again. Ananya and Vikram went one direction while Shika and Nithin took another. The hotel's corridors were still eerily quiet, but they could feel the tension creeping up on them like an impending storm.

Shika and Nithin moved swiftly, their eyes darting around as they reached the stairwell. The attackers had begun searching the floors, creeping into rooms. A muffled shout came from one of the hallways—an attacker had just found a cricketer. The hunt had begun.

"Shika, Nithin, get to the fourth floor. I'll go up to the fifth," Vikram's voice echoed in their ears, calm but laced with urgency.

"Roger that," Shika said. "Keep an eye out, Nithin. We don't want any surprises."

They reached the fourth floor, and before Shika could move further, a figure appeared at the end of the hall. The attacker's eyes locked on them. Shika was ready. She swiftly ducked behind a pillar, motioning for Nithin to stay low.

Nithin crouched, eyes never leaving the attacker. His fingers gripped his stun gun tightly. Shika stayed silent, holding her breath, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

The attacker came closer, oblivious to the trap set for him. He took one more step forward, and with a fluid motion, Shika emerged from the shadows. In one smooth movement, she knocked the stun gun from his hand and brought him down in a single, swift motion.

Nithin moved to secure the attacker, tying him up before he could recover.

"That's another one down," Shika said, exhaling slowly as she surveyed the surroundings. "We're almost done here. Keep moving."

The night had descended into chaos. The power had been cut, the emergency lights flickered weakly, and every shadow in the hotel seemed to hold a hidden threat. The tension was palpable, and the officers had become one with the darkness, blending in, ready to strike. There was no more room for mistakes.

The team was in position: Rakshith, Bhavin, Ananya, Shika, Nithin, and Vikram. Six highly trained individuals who had come together to face a common enemy. The mastermind of the kidnapping plot was still in play, but they were closing in on him. Every moment counted.

Ananya's breath was steady, her hand tight around the stun gun. She moved with purpose, her mind focused, her thoughts sharp. There was no hesitation in her now. The mission wasn't just about rescuing the coach anymore. It was about stopping a far-reaching criminal network that had infiltrated every part of the city.

"Vikram, Bhavin, you two take the east corridor. We'll handle the west," Rakshith's voice crackled through their earpieces, the command sharp and clear.

Ananya, Shika, and Nithin had already positioned themselves in the west wing of the hotel. The hallway was eerily silent, the only sound the soft thud of their footsteps. As they rounded the corner, the sound of a door creaking open caught their attention. It was the coach's suite.

"That's our cue," Ananya whispered, signaling for the others to fall in line.

Shika and Nithin followed closely behind her as they approached the door. Ananya glanced at Nithin, who gave her a quick nod. They had done this countless times before—no room for mistakes.

But as they neared the door, it suddenly slammed shut. Panic surged through Ananya's chest, but she fought it back, her mind racing. The mastermind had to be in there.

"Stay alert," she whispered to the team, motioning for them to move back into the shadows.

In the blink of an eye, the door opened again, and a figure stepped out. Tall, cloaked in black, with a sinister aura. The man. The mastermind.

Ananya's grip on her stun gun tightened. This was it.

"I see you've found me," the man's voice was smooth, filled with confidence. He didn't even flinch when he saw them.

"I'm not here to chat," Ananya shot back, her tone icy. "You're coming with us."

Before she could move, the man snapped his fingers. Two of his henchmen appeared, each armed and ready for a fight. The atmosphere shifted instantly, the air thick with the tension of a coming battle.

"Take them out," the mastermind commanded.

Without warning, the henchmen opened fire. Bullets whizzed past Ananya, who dove behind a pillar for cover. Shika and Nithin followed her instinctively, their bodies reacting faster than their minds.

"We need backup!" Shika's voice rang through the comms.

"On it," Rakshith's voice came through immediately. "Stay put, we'll be there in seconds."

The sounds of chaos erupted in the hallway, but Ananya remained focused. Her heart pounded, but she wasn't afraid. She'd been trained for moments like this.

The henchmen charged, guns blazing, but they hadn't expected Ananya's team to be so prepared. As the attackers advanced, Rakshith and Bhavin emerged from the opposite side, moving with the precision of a well-oiled machine. Bhavin took out one of the henchmen with a stun gun before the man even had a chance to react. Rakshith, with his signature calm and lethal demeanor, took down the other with a well-aimed shot, leaving the mastermind alone.

"You're surrounded," Ananya said, stepping forward with authority, her eyes locked on the mastermind.

The man, undeterred, pulled out a knife, a cruel grin curling on his lips. He swung it toward Ananya in a swift, calculated motion. But she was ready. She ducked under the blade, using her agility to get in close. With a swift motion, she jabbed the stun gun into his side, sending a surge of electricity coursing through his body.

The mastermind collapsed to the floor, twitching, unconscious.

"Nice work," Vikram's voice came through, his presence now behind them.

But there was no time to celebrate. The hotel was still swarming with attackers, and Ananya knew they couldn't rest until every last one was dealt with.

"Rakshith, what's the status?" she asked, already moving toward the next task.

"All clear on this side. We'll clear out the rest of the hotel," Rakshith responded, his voice calm but full of determination.

"Shika, Nithin, take the west wing. I'll cover the east with Vikram," Bhavin commanded, stepping toward the central lobby.

Ananya nodded, giving Shika a brief, reassuring look. They had come this far together, and they would finish it together.

They moved quickly, checking rooms and hallways, taking down any remaining attackers. The hotel that had once been filled with music, laughter, and celebration was now eerily quiet. The only sounds left were the occasional thud as an attacker fell, taken down by one of the officers.

With the last of the attackers incapacitated and the hotel secured, the team reconvened in the lobby. Their eyes met—tired but victorious. They had done it.

"Mission complete," Rakshith said, the smallest of smiles tugging at the corner of his lips.

Ananya couldn't help but exhale in relief. The adrenaline had drained from her body, leaving her feeling light-headed, but she was proud. They had protected the coach, taken down the kidnappers, and dismantled a dangerous network.

"Let's get the coach to safety," Ananya said, her voice steady, but a small smile playing on her lips.

As the team gathered around, ready to escort the coach to a secure location, Ananya realized how much she had come to rely on them. They weren't just colleagues; they were a family. And as they headed into the night, the city's lights flickering in the distance, she knew that no matter what came next, they would face it together.

The fight was over. For now.

*********************************

Hey readers!

A long chapter, I know. But is it good?

I've updated the 19th and 20th chapters on stck.me. Go and check them out. Finally, they confessed! Here's the link: https://nidhi181002.stck.me/story/498598/Cricketer-and-His-Wife

Hope you enjoyed this chapter and lots of love!