Chapter 6: The Journalist
Anika leaves the hidden room, her mind reeling with the information Ishaan has revealed. She clutches the silver locket in her hand, its smooth surface a comforting weight.
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(Emerges from the clock tower, the night air cool against her skin. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts.)
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(Inner monologue) Riya. I need to find Riya.
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(Pulls out her phone and searches for information on Riya, the journalist. She finds a series of articles written by Riya, exposing corruption and injustice in the city.)
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(Reads through the articles, impressed by Riyaโs fearless reporting and her dedication to uncovering the truth.)
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(Finds contact information for Riyaโs office. She hesitates for a moment, unsure if she should call.)
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(Inner monologue) What if she doesnโt believe me? What if she thinks Iโm crazy?
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(Takes a deep breath and dials the number. The phone rings, each tone sending a jolt of anxiety through her.)
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(The call connects. A womanโs voice, sharp and alert, answers.)
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(Her voice trembling slightly.) Hello, Riya. My name is Anika. Iโฆ I need your help.
Riya
(Her tone cautious.) Who is this? How did you get my number?
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Iโฆ I canโt explain everything over the phone. But itโs about Veer.
Riya
(A pause. Her voice hardens.) What about him?
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I know things. Things he doesnโt want anyone to know.
Riya
(Skeptical.) Like what?
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I know about the missing woman. The fire. The otherโฆ incidents.
Riya
(Her voice sharpens.) Who told you that?
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It doesnโt matter. What matters is that I can help you expose him.
Riya
(A long silence. Then, her voice softens slightly.) Where are you?
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Iโฆ Iโm not sure. I canโt tell you over the phone.
Riya
(Sighs.) Look, I donโt know who you are or what you want. But Iโve been chasing this story for years. If you have something concrete, something I can useโฆ
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I do. I have proof.
Riya
Then meet me. Tomorrow morning. 9 AM sharp.
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Where?
Riya
The old library. The one on Elm Street. You know it?
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Yes. I know it.
Riya
Good. Donโt be late. And donโt bring anyone with you.
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I wonโt.
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(Hangs up the phone, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and excitement.)
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(Inner monologue) Riya. Sheโs my only hope.
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(Looks up at the moonlit sky, a silent vow forming on her lips.)
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(Inner monologue) I wonโt let you get away with this, Veer. Iโll expose you for what you are. Iโll avenge Anya.
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(Turns and walks away from the clock tower, her footsteps firm and resolute.)
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