As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the desert, Sanyukta stood beside the hill near the Haveli. The night sky unfurled like an ancient scroll, inked in shades of midnight blue and velvet black. Stars blinked like whispers of forgotten dreams—tiny lanterns suspended in a cathedral of silence. The moon, a patient sentinel, cast her silver gaze across the sleeping world, draping the earth in soft light and deeper shadows.
A gentle breeze carried the scent of jasmine and the earthy aroma of the desert, as if the earth itself exhaled in awe beneath the infinite tapestry. Above all, the sky felt alive—eternal and yet intimate, echoing the heartbeats of those who dared to look up and wonder. Sanyukta's eyes were fixed on the Haveli, now a silhouette against the starlit sky. She reached for her phone and dialed a number she hadn't called in a long time.
"Prabhas," she said when the line connected. "I need you. Something big is happening here. It's Sahani and Manoj. They've turned my Haveli into a crime den." There was a pause on the other end. "I've been expecting this call," Prabhas replied. "I'll be there by nightfall. But we won't go alone this time."
And just like that, the old fire returned to Sanyukta's voice. "Then let's show them," she said, her eyes locked on the Havelis' distant silhouette. "That even ruins can rise again." The summer of 1997 was unforgiving, and the desert heat lingered even after sunset. Sanyukta knew that time was of the essence. Prabhas was coming through airways, a rare and expensive mode of travel during the midsummer vacation. In 1997, securing flight tickets on short notice was nearly impossible, but the university, recognizing the gravity of the drug situation, managed to arrange them.
Sanyukta turned her attention to Leela, the loyal maid who had been with her family for years. The children's safety was paramount. "Leela," she said, handing over a train ticket, "take the children and board the night train. Keep them safe. Give my ticket to someone in need. If the TC asks about me, tell him I'll board the train from Jamshedpur." Leela hesitated, concern etched on her face. "But, madam, what about you?" "I have to stay," Sanyukta replied firmly. "I need to help Prabhas. This is our fight." After a moment of silence, Leela nodded, understanding the weight of the situation. "Be careful," she whispered.
As night deepened, Sanyukta prepared for the confrontation. She gathered evidence—photographs, documents, and recordings—that detailed the illicit activities taking place within the Haveli. The operation was sophisticated, involving the manufacture of synthetic drugs using precursor chemicals like acetic anhydride, which, despite being regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985, were still being diverted for illegal use. The Haveli, once a symbol of heritage, had become a clandestine laboratory. The operation was part of a larger network that spanned across borders, exploiting India's position between the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle—two major illicit opium-producing regions.
Sanyukta's plan was to infiltrate the Haveli, gather concrete evidence, and coordinate with Prabhas and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to dismantle the operation. The NCB, established in 1986, was responsible for combating drug trafficking and enforcing the provisions of the NDPS Act.
Under the cover of darkness, Sanyukta approached the Haveli. She navigated through hidden passages and secret entrances, remnants of the Haveli's storied past. Inside, she witnessed the scale of the operation—chemicals stored in large quantities, equipment for synthesizing drugs, and workers moving with practiced efficiency. Using a concealed camera, she documented everything. Every photograph, every recording was a step closer to justice.
Suddenly, a noise alerted the workers. Sanyukta's presence was discovered. A chase ensued through the labyrinthine corridors of the Haveli. Just as she was cornered, Prabhas and a team from the NCB burst in, having coordinated their arrival based on Sanyukta's earlier communication. A confrontation erupted. The NCB agents, trained and prepared, subdued the workers and secured the premises. Sahani and Manoj attempted to flee but were apprehended. The evidence collected by Sanyukta was instrumental in ensuring their arrest and the subsequent dismantling of the drug operation.The Haveli, though scarred by the events, stood as a testament to resilience. Sanyukta's bravery and determination had not only protected her family but also contributed to a significant victory against drug trafficking.
The case highlighted the challenges India faced in combating drug trafficking, especially given its geographical vulnerabilities and the complexities of regulating precursor chemicals. Sanyukta's actions served as an inspiration, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, courage and conviction could lead to meaningful change. In the months that followed, the Haveli was restored, not just structurally but in spirit. It became a center for community engagement, focusing on educating the youth about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of vigilance.Sanyukta and Prabhas continued their collaboration, working with authorities to identify and dismantle similar operations. But this will not be the end. Vish is still out with another vicious plan. In this case Manoj and Sanket got caught and imprisoned.
Sanket knew there was a window of opportunity—he was no ordinary prisoner. As per legal protocol, before being transferred to the rehabilitation and drug treatment center, he and Manoj had to be formally presented at the local police station. This small detour was all he needed to execute a long-planned escape. As the police jeep rolled along the deserted road, the night thickened with silence. The path ahead dipped into a stretch of woods where the streetlights were either broken or missing entirely—a perfect place for an ambush. Just as expected, the vehicle slowed down at a curve. Suddenly, masked figures emerged from the shadows.
Before the officers could react, a canister was hurled at the jeep. Gas hissed and spread rapidly, clouding the inside of the vehicle. Within seconds, the officers and the prisoners alike were unconscious. Only two figures remained unaffected—two masked men who had been waiting for this moment.
They approached the jeep with swift precision. One of them opened the backdoor and carefully pulled out Sanket. The other carried Manoj. Within seconds, they disappeared into the dense woods, leaving no trace. The plan had worked perfectly.
This orchestrated escape wasn't spontaneous—it had been crafted by none other than Vish. Vish, who had once been Prabhas's right hand but now walked a path of his own. He had reasons—secrets and debts—tied to both Sanket and Manoj. But what was his endgame?
What is Prabhas planning? What is the fate of Leela and the children?What happens next?✨ Want to know what happens next? Dive into the thrilling world of crime, betrayal, and redemption. Follow the story ✨