As soon as the words slipped from Shivank’s mouth, they pierced the air heavier than any thunder. The living hall fell deadly silent. Time itself seemed to freeze. Everyone — including Ekaksh — stood completely still. The words kept echoing in his ears again and again.Ekaksh turned slowly toward Shivank, his voice trembling, “W–What did you just say?”

Shivank swallowed hard, his tone dropping to a heavy whisper. “Bhai… I went to the second-floor guest room to check. But she wasn’t there. Then I searched everywhere, every corner of the mansion… but she’s nowhere to be found. I also asked servants of second floor but they said that they saw her coming towards guest room but after that they don't saw her. I checked CCTV also, and they justifies what servants said.”

The words pierced through the air like shards of glass, scattering every ounce of calm left.

A horrified gasp escaped Sumitra’s lips. She stepped forward shakily, her voice cracking. “Shivank aapko pata bhi hai aap kya bol rahe hai. Aese kaise nahi mil rahi humari bacchi. Yehi kahi hongi, you definitely didn’t check properly. You must be mistaken! Check again!”

Her trembling hands clutched the edge of the sofa as panic began to spread through her veins.

“Servants!” she barked, voice echoing off marble walls. “Go! Search every room, every corner! Find your Rani-sa right now!”