He answered immediately. "Ranawat."
Silence.
Then a voice he knew.
"Samarth."
Nimisha.
Relief flooded through him so fast it left him dizzy.
"Where the fuck are you?" The words came out harsh, angry, because anger was easier than admitting how terrified he'd been.
"I'm fine. I just... I needed some time alone."
"Your phone has been off for five hours."
"I know. I didn't think anyone would notice. Or care."
The quiet words gutted him.
I didn't think anyone would notice.
"Where are you?" he asked, forcing his voice to calm. "I'll come get you."
"No. I don't want... I just need tonight. One night to myself. To breathe. Please."
Every instinct screamed at him to demand her location, to track the call, to drag her back where she belonged.
But something in her voice stopped him.
Exhaustion. Defeat. A bone-deep weariness that spoke of wounds he'd helped inflict.
"Are you safe?" he asked finally.
"Yes."
"Are you alone?"
"Yes."
"Nimisha—"
"Please, Samarth. Just one night. I'll be back tomorrow morning. I promise."
He should say no. Should pull rank, remind her of the rules, order her home.
Instead, he said, "Tomorrow morning. Six AM. If you're not back, I'm tearing this city apart to find you."
"I'll be back."
She ended the call.
Samarth sat in the car, phone in hand, jaw clenched so hard it ached.
"Boss?" Abhay asked carefully.
"She's safe. She'll be back tomorrow."
