"WEB 🕸️" -' Interweaving

Chapter 24

As Manik shared Mukti's story with Nandini, she listened intently without interruption, feeling empathy for her plight. Nandini couldn't help but ponder the ways in which social media is exploited to ensnare young girls and the vast number of individuals who have been affected by cyber crimes."

"Nandini!" he exclaimed, catching her attention as she was lost in her thoughts. "What's going through your mind?" he asked, and Nandini replied with a small shake of her head, "Nothing, just lost in my own thoughts,

Manik and Nandini sat there in silence, the comfortable and pleasant atmosphere between them palpable. After a while, Manik got up and walked to his car, with Nandini following close behind. Once inside the car, Manik pulled out his laptop and connected the pendrive to it. He searched through the files and finally found Muntaj's address, which he shared with Nandini, breaking the comfortable silence.

"Nandini, will you come with me?" Manik asked, but he quickly added "again no! I can manage myself." as he didn't want to put Nandini in any danger

"Why, what happened?" she asked, her voice laced with concern and her eyes searching for an explanation.

"I don't want to drag you into any trouble," he said, his tone indicating his reluctance to involve the person he was talking to in any kind of difficult situation.

"I am coming with you," she said, her voice determined and her eyes meeting his in a look of resolve, indicating her willingness to join him in his plans despite any potential risks or challenges that may arise.

He didn't understand how to convince her to change her mind, so he simply started the car and began driving, unsure of what the future held for them both, and feeling a mix of emotions such as uncertainty, worry, and responsibility towards her safety.

★★★

He is driving the car through the gritty, overcrowded streets of the city, the air thick with the smell of smoke and the sights of unkempt buildings and dirty sidewalks. The brothel house is a constant presence, with sex workers standing outside, posturing their bodies to attract men, while groups of men huddle around street corners, laughing and shouting. The tea shops are cramped and cluttered, their windows fogged over with steam. The overall scene is chaotic and unsavory, with a palpable sense of poverty and vice permeating the area. The place is known for its seedy underbelly and is a hub for illegal activities and moral decay. It's not a safe place for anyone, and it's a stark contrast to the affluent and well-maintained parts of the city.

Nandini was visibly scared, her eyes wide as she looked around at the gritty surroundings. Manik noticed her discomfort and took her hand in his, offering her a reassuring squeeze. "We can go back," he said, his voice gentle and understanding. "I don't want you to feel unsafe."

After coming this far, we should not turn back," Nandini said, her voice shaking slightly with fear. "I may be scared, but it's okay, I can handle it" she added, her determination and courage showing through, despite her fear.

Manik wore the cap and mask walk to the small home, knocked the door,

when that person opens the door, looked at Manik suspiciously and asked, "Who are you and what do you want?"

Manik replied, "I am here as Mr. Karan Varma sent me, he gave me this address."

He was greeted with a nod, and the person asked "Do you have the money?"

Manik replied confidently "Yes, and I also brought a lady to help Muntaj."

The person led Manik and Nandini up the steps, stopping in front of a closed door. He handed the keys to Manik and looked at Nandini skeptically, "A few weeks ago, the caretaker stopped coming because she was fed up with looking after Muntaj, her condition is not good. I don't think this young girl will be able to take care of her," he said.

Manik took the keys and opened the door, as they walked inside, they saw the condition of the room, it was dirty and unkempt. Muntaj was lying on the bed, her body frail and weak

Nandini looked at her and felt a pang of sadness and determination in her heart. She knew that taking care of Muntaj would not be easy, but she was determined to help her in any way she could. Manik smiled at Nandini and said, "We got this."

Manik and Nandini were horrified at the sight of the elderly woman, Muntaj, lying in such a state of neglect and disrepair. The room was dirty and unkempt, and Muntaj's body was frail and weak, her saree hadn't been changed in a long time, her hair was matted, and her face was half-burnt, adding to the fear and sadness they felt upon seeing her.

Manik walked to her, knelt down, and checked if she was alive or dead. Upon determining that she was alive, he sighed in relief and picked up an old album filled with Mukti's photos and a photo of the Muntaj when she was young and beautiful.

Manik, with tears in his eyes, was visibly emotional as Nandini placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, she confused by his actions. He wiping away his tears, stood up and turned to Nandini, "We need to act fast, before anyone else arrives. We need to take her with us and leave this place immediately."

As they hurriedly packed Muntaj's belongings and formulated a plan to flee, Manik lifted her up and brought her to the car, carefully laying her down on the back seat with Nandini by her side. As they began to drive away, they were spotted by a group of people who immediately gave chase.

Manik drove as fast as he could, with people chasing behind them, trying to catch up and phoned Harshad and asked him to meet them at a nearby safe location in car.

Harshad immediately understood the situation and told Manik that he would meet them at a pre-arranged location to help them get away safely. They drove as fast as they could, with Manik constantly checking on Muntaj.

Manik shifted Muntaj in the car which Harshad brought, and told Nandini to go with Harshad.

Ignore mistakes

Keep smiling

Chandanakshi