Siya's eyes had caught something — a fleeting detail buried deep within Maan's memories, subtle yet powerful enough to suggest the existence of a path.
A hidden path.
But was that path connected to Maan himself… or was Mahakaal deliberately concealing it from the world?
One truth, however, had become undeniable.
Lord Shiva wanted her to find the hidden city.
There was something waiting there — something she needed to learn, something essential not only for the fate of the world but for her own existence.
Before her thoughts could settle further, Ali's voice pulled her back to reality.
"Boss… you were inside Maan's memories for too long. He was growing weak. We had to call you back."
Siya blinked, realizing how deeply she had immersed herself in the search. In her determination to uncover answers, she had forgotten that such exploration drained the person whose memories she entered.
A faint regret crossed her calm expression.
She immediately stepped toward Maan and gently placed her hand on his shoulder, sending a soothing wave of energy through him.
"Are you alright?" she asked softly. "I'm sorry, Maan. I didn't realize I was hurting you."
Maan smiled weakly but reassuringly.
"I'm fine, Sister. It's okay."
Andy stepped forward, unable to hide his curiosity.
"What did you find, Siya?"
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Siya chose not to answer.
The fragment she had seen was incomplete, fragile — a clue that required confirmation before becoming truth.
Instead, she spoke calmly.
"For now, everyone should rest tonight. Tomorrow morning, Andy, you'll lead us toward Kashi. Whatever answers we seek… we'll find them there."
She then looked at Maan.
"You should rest too. You're coming with us."
Everyone nodded in agreement. The decision felt final.
Yet instead of returning to her own chamber, Siya turned and walked down the dim corridor toward another room.
Toward Trikala.
The door slid open quietly.
Inside, Trikala sat in a corner, motionless, surrounded by silence. He looked calm on the outside, but an invisible tension lingered around him.
Siya stepped closer.
"Only one day remains," she said steadily. "Will you be able to prove yourself?"
Trikala looked up at her, his voice low.
"And if I do… will you truly trust me?"
Siya met his gaze without hesitation.
"I stand by my words," she replied. "If you prove your innocence, I will give you another chance."
Trikala slowly rose and walked toward her. Hesitation flickered in his eyes — something rare for someone once feared as powerful and unshakable.
He gently held Siya's hand.
"Just trust me once," he said quietly. "One last time."
For a moment, Siya felt her composure falter.
Her heart pounded as if trying to escape her chest. Emotions she had been suppressing surged forward, urging her to believe him — to let go of suspicion.
She hesitated.
Logic warned her to step back.
But something deeper spoke louder.
"…Alright," she whispered finally. "One last time."
She turned to leave, her voice becoming cold again as she reached the doorway.
"This is your final chance. If I see even a hint of deception again, I won't hesitate for a second to end you."
Trikala nodded.
"You have my word."
Outside, Ali stood waiting.
He watched Siya carefully as she walked past him.
"Boss," he said cautiously, "I don't understand you anymore. What are you trying to do? I can't figure it out."
Siya paused.
"I'm just listening to my heart," she replied quietly. "It can't be wrong every time… can it?"
Ali frowned slightly.
"It feels impossible that you could have emotions for him," he admitted. "Then why show him so much mercy?"
Siya's expression softened.
"When I was given life," she said, "I was also given infinite compassion — so I could forgive, guide, and give others a chance to change."
Ali nodded slowly.
"I know you are compassion itself, Boss, but—"
"I need rest now," Siya interrupted gently. "You should sleep too. Tomorrow will be important."
Ali said nothing further. He simply nodded and walked away.
Siya entered her room.
The silence welcomed her like an old companion.
Without changing or resting, she sat down and closed her eyes, slipping instantly into meditation.
Her breathing slowed.
Her consciousness descended inward.
But peace did not come.
Behind her calm exterior, thoughts moved relentlessly.
Trust or deception.
Destiny or manipulation.
Heart or mind.
Somewhere deep within her awareness, she felt as though unseen forces were quietly shaping her choices — guiding events just beyond her perception.
And the question remained unanswered:
Was she choosing freely… or was someone leading her toward a fate already decided?
As the night deepened, Siya remained motionless in meditation.
But within her mind, storms continued to rise.
What was truly unfolding inside her thoughts… even she had yet to understand.