chapter 2

The dusky sky cast a soft, purplish hue over the bustling city streets. Neon signs flickered to life, competing with the last rays of the setting sun. Amidst the evening rush, Vijay Dior staggered barefoot through the throngs of people. His clothes hung in tatters, and his eyes darted wildly, as if he were seeing ghosts. Passersby glanced at him with a mixture of curiosity and concern, some whispering to each other, others hurrying past, unwilling to get involved.

Vijay's heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing in his ears like a war drum. He could hardly recall how he had ended up in this state. One moment, he was in the safety of his home, and the next, he was out here, amidst the chaos, with no shoes and no memory of how he got there. The cacophony of the city buzzed around him, amplifying his confusion.

Out of the chaos, a sleek black car roared to a stop beside him. Its polished surface gleamed under the city lights, an oasis of calm in the storm of his mind. The door swung open smoothly, and a tall, well-dressed man stepped out with an air of authority. He surveyed Vijay's disheveled state with a cool, assessing gaze.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Vijay's voice quivered, the sound barely rising above the city noise.

Without a word, the man closed the distance between them. His movements were swift yet controlled, his grip firm but gentle as he took hold of Vijay's trembling hands. He guided the bewildered man towards the car, his demeanor calm and reassuring.

"Please, tell me what's happening. Where am I?" Vijay's voice was fraught with desperation as he sank into the plush back seat.

The man remained silent, his expression unreadable, as he returned to the driver's seat. The car's engine purred to life, and they slipped away from the curious onlookers and into the flow of traffic. Through the window, the cityscape blurred, and Vijay's heart began to slow, lulled by the purposeful silence of his rescuer.

As they drove, leaving the cacophony of the streets behind, Vijay's mind buzzed with unanswered questions. Who was this mysterious man? Why had he appeared at this moment of utter confusion? The answers seemed as distant as the fading lights of the city, swallowed by the night.

Aditya Dior's Luxurious Penthouse - Home Office - Night

Aditya Dior sat at his mahogany desk, the dimmed lights casting a warm glow over the polished wood and sleek, modern decor. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city shimmered with a thousand lights, a glittering expanse that did nothing to ease the worry etched on Aditya's face. He dialed his manager, Sunny, with an urgency that bordered on panic.

Sunny answered on the second ring, his voice professional yet alert. "Hello, Mr. Dior. How can I assist you?"

"It's my father, Vijay. He's gone missing. The servants can't find him anywhere in the mansion, and I need your help to locate him immediately," Aditya's voice was tight with anxiety.

Sunny's tone shifted instantly to one of concern. "Missing? I'll mobilize our resources right away, Mr. Dior. We won't leave any stone unturned."

"Thank you, Sunny. I'm counting on you. Keep me informed of any developments."

Aditya ended the call and immediately dialed his trusted security chief, Ravi.

"Mr. Dior, how can I assist you tonight?" Ravi's voice was steady and reassuring.

"Ravi, my father is missing. Coordinate with Sunny and launch a thorough search. Check all security footage, inform the authorities—do whatever it takes to find him."

"Consider it done, Mr. Dior. We won't rest until we find Mr. Vijay," Ravi responded with unwavering resolve.

Aditya set down the phone, his thoughts racing. With Sunny and Ravi on the case, he hoped for swift action and answers. His father's disappearance was a puzzle that needed solving, and every second counted.

Hospital Room - Night

The hospital room was a haven of calm, bathed in the soft glow of bedside lamps. Monitors beeped quietly, tracking the steady rhythm of Vijay Dior's heartbeat. He lay in the bed, his face pale but peaceful, as if caught in a rare moment of tranquility.

A doctor entered, a figure of compassion in a white coat, clipboard in hand. He approached Vijay's bedside and began to review the charts.

"He's resting now, but Mr. Vijay Dior is not well at all. He's been under a great deal of stress," the doctor whispered to a man standing nearby.

The man, his face a mask of concern, leaned closer. "What can we do, Doctor? How can we help him?"

The doctor sighed, his gaze shifting from the charts to Vijay. "He needs rest, proper nutrition, and, most importantly, a stress-free environment. It's crucial to keep him away from any further anxiety or tension."

"We'll ensure he gets everything he needs. His health is our top priority," the man whispered, determination evident in his voice.

The doctor offered a reassuring smile, placing a comforting hand on the man's shoulder. "That's what he needs. With the right care, I'm confident he'll recover. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call the nursing staff."

As the doctor left, the man remained by Vijay's side, a silent guardian. The peaceful ambiance of the hospital room enveloped them, and Vijay continued to rest, unaware of the vigilant efforts to restore his health.

Aditya Dior's Mansion

Aditya Dior's home office, usually a place of order and control, now vibrated with frustration and anger. Modern artwork adorned the walls, and sophisticated furnishings filled the space, but they seemed insignificant in the face of the current crisis. Aditya confronted Sunny with a fury that had been building for days.

"Sunny, I can't believe this! My father has been missing for days, and you still haven't figured out where he is? Do you realize the damage this could do if the media finds out?" Aditya's voice was raised, his temper barely in check.

Sunny, normally composed, looked flustered. "Mr. Dior, we're doing everything we can. It's a complex situation, but we're following every lead."

"Every lead? It's been days, Sunny! My father's safety is at stake here. We can't waste any more time!" Aditya's pacing quickened, his frustration boiling over.

"This isn't just about business; it's about family. I need answers, and I need them now," he continued, his voice echoing with urgency.

Sunny took a deep breath, trying to steady himself under Aditya's intense scrutiny. "I understand, Mr. Dior. I'll redouble our efforts. We won't rest until we find your father."

Aditya's anger simmered, but he nodded, accepting Sunny's commitment. "You'd better. My father's well-being is non-negotiable, and I won't tolerate any further delays."

Turning away, Aditya left Sunny with a clear mandate: find Vijay Dior, no matter the cost. As the tension in the room ebbed slightly, Sunny knew he had to intensify the search, driven by the urgency and gravity of the situation.