The silence after the storm felt strange.
No rain.
No noise.
Just tension.
Meher's phone rang.
Unknown number.
She looked at Aarav and Reyaan… then answered.
"Impressive," the voice said.
Cold. Familiar.
Meher's grip tightened.
"What do you want?"
A soft chuckle.
"You've caused enough damage."
Pause.
"Now it's time you stop."
Aarav stepped closer, listening.
Meher replied firmly—
"No."
Silence for a second.
Then—
"You think this is bravery?" the man said.
"It's a mistake."
Her voice didn't shake.
"Then I'll live with it."
Another pause.
This time—
Colder.
"Look outside," he said.
The call cut.
All three rushed to the window.
Below—
A black car stood still.
Engine running.
Waiting.
Meher's heart raced.
Aarav's jaw tightened.
"This just got real."
Reyaan said quietly—
"They're not hiding anymore."
Meher stared at the car.
Fear tried to rise…
But she pushed it down.
"They want to scare us," she said.
Aarav nodded.
"Then we don't get scared."
Seconds later—
The car door opened.
A man stepped out.
Looked up.
Straight at their window.
A clear message.
Reyaan whispered—
"They know where we are."
Silence filled the room.
But this time—
No one stepped back.
Meher turned away from the window.
Her voice calm.
Strong.
"Good."
Aarav and Reyaan looked at her.
"If they're coming to us…"
She said—
"Then we're closer to ending this."
Outside—
The car didn't move.
The threat was clear now.
No more shadows.
No more secrets.
Just a direct war.