Eternal Hunt

Dressing for the Devil's Party

The next day, Aadi made a plan to meet Namah. Aadi was actually a wildlife photographer, but he used his connections to secure a commercial photoshoot contract. Namah's company was launching new products and they needed a photography agency. Although Aadi normally only photographed wild animals, he had harbored doubts about Namah from the very beginning. This was the perfect opportunity for him to get closer to his target, so he began setting up the photoshoot for the product launch at the company.

Meanwhile, Namah's friend, who managed most of the company's operations, also found Aadi a bit suspicious. However, he saw this as the right opportunity to present a clean, perfect image of himself and Namah to the media and the public. Both sides were keeping a very close eye on each other.

On the other hand, Shreya went to the police station with her friend Piya and the rest of their group. They wanted to find out the status of the investigation into Preeti's disappearance. As soon as they reached the station, the police flatly refused to give them any information.

Just then, a boy from Shreya's group signaled to her and Piya, leading them outside. They all went and sat inside a parked car. The boy said, "Wait here for a while."

A short while later, a lady constable came out and quietly slipped into their car. The boy introduced the constable as his friend.

Lowering her voice, the lady constable revealed, "The investigation has uncovered something shocking. Near the spot in the jungle where that boy was murdered, we also found Preeti's clothes. It seems both murders were committed in the same exact manner. We haven't found any solid evidence regarding Preeti's body, but the few body parts of the boy we found have been confirmed via DNA testing."

Fear washed over everyone's faces. The lady constable continued, "Finding so few body parts instead of an entire body points in only one direction... there is a serial killer roaming our town, picking them off one by one as his prey."

In this way, Shreya and Piya confirmed that their friend was no longer alive. Everyone headed back. On their way, they discussed how even if someone commits a murder, the victim's body doesn't just disappear. A body rots, or the killer burns or buries it. But the police hadn't found any such trace. This meant—where did her body actually go?

At that moment, Aadi's words crossed Shreya's mind. He had told her that the killer might be murdering them for their blood in order to keep himself alive. But still, why were there no bodily remains? Pondering all of this, everyone reached home in silence.

Meanwhile, Aadi went to Namah's office. There, the company manager—Namah's friend—shook hands with Aadi and welcomed him.

"Welcome, Aadi," the friend said.

"Thanks," Aadi replied as the two shook hands.

The friend casually explained the company's requirements to Aadi, detailing the exact kind of photos they needed. Aadi discussed everything formally and professionally.

After completing the meeting, Aadi was leaving the office when, suddenly, Namah appeared. Aadi turned around and found Namah standing right in front of him. Namah looked incredibly dangerous at that moment, but Aadi didn't even flinch, almost as if he had anticipated this. Aadi didn't say a word; he just stared straight into his eyes. Namah did the same. It looked as though the hero and the villain were standing chest-to-chest, squaring off against each other.

Breaking the ice, Namah's friend and manager introduced them. "Aadi, this is our company's director, Namah. And sir, this is Aadi. He will be doing the photoshoot for the new products we just launched."

"It's nice to officially meet you," Namah said.

"The pleasure is mine, Namah," Aadi replied calmly. "Quite a unique name... it must be an ancient one."

"Yeah, but we don't really have control over our names. That's a parent thing."

"Yeah, never mind."

"Not at all."

Looking at him, Namah suddenly remembered how, when he had Shreya in his terrifying grip, this was the exact guy who had freed her from him. Namah knew one thing for sure—this guy was incredibly brave.

"Okay, I will take my leave then," Aadi said.

"Tonight, I am throwing an office party here," Namah offered. "I would like to officially invite you. You can bring your family members or friends along as well."

"I'll have to check my schedule. I will let you know."

"Okay, then."

Namah walked into his private room. The friend said goodbye to Aadi and immediately followed Namah inside.

"What do you think? Why is he really here? It seems like he suspects something," the friend asked.

"Yeah," Namah replied. "He is the only one in all these years who has dared to stand against me. Whether he just suspects it or knows for sure, I don't know... but he is definitely a threat to us."

"Then we should keep him close, so in the future, if we need to deal with him..."

"Yeah, exactly. Now, go prepare an office party for tonight."

Back at home, Aadi told Shreya that he had received an invitation to an office party, but he needed a date.

"So what should I do? Find one," Shreya replied.

Aadi didn't say anything; he just stood there, staring intently at her face.

"Where am I supposed to find a date for you?" she asked, laughing at his serious expression.

"Come on, be serious. You are the only one I know."

"Okay, okay, I will see."

"There is no 'see.' You and I are going," Aadi stated firmly.

"Hey, how can we just go? I don't even have anything to wear."

"Here is my credit card. The PIN is 5927. Use this and buy anything you want."

Shreya took the card but looked at him with a teasing warning. "Are you sure? Think about it, I spend a lot."

"I don't care about that."

Shreya smiled, said goodbye, and left. On her way out, she texted Piya to inform her that they needed to go shopping, and the two of them headed to the mall right after college.

Meanwhile, Namah was waiting impatiently; he knew for a fact that Aadi would bring Shreya along. Shreya, too, had her suspicions about Namah. She harbored mixed feelings about him, which was exactly why she had agreed to attend the party in the first place—she wanted to find out the truth.

She had selected a beautiful dress for the occasion, but she hadn't swiped Aadi's credit card. It just didn't feel right to her. That night, she got ready at home and waited for Aadi. Her family was a bit curious about who she was going out with so late, but because they trusted her deeply, they didn't overreact.

Then, Aadi's message arrived: "Come outside."

The moment Shreya stepped out and walked toward the car... oh my god. Aadi was completely stunned. His eyes widened in pure awe. She looked naturally perfect; her makeup was flawless, and her lean figure looked absolutely breathtaking in the dress. Aadi took a deep, heavy breath, stepped out of the car, and gently held her hand to help her inside. They looked absolutely perfect together, laughing and smiling as they settled into the car. Watching all of this unfold from the roof balcony, Shreya's mother couldn't help but smile warmly