Hari Narayan's devilish smirk lingered in Vikram's mind, a cold premonition settling in his gut. He scanned the dispersing crowd, his eyes sharp, his protective instincts on high alert. He noticed Anand was nowhere to be seen. Where did he disappear to?
He glanced at Ananya walking beside her mother, her earlier fear replaced by a quiet thoughtfulness. He instinctively moved closer, his arm brushing hers, a silent reassurance. He saw Hari Narayan near his father, MLA Shekar, near the temple entrance. Hari shot one last glance towards Ananya before turning away, whispering something to his father. Shekar nodded, a cold, calculating look in his eyes. Vikram knew, with chilling certainty, that the game had begun.



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