**Same night, 7.45 PM, Hospital, waiting room**
The hospital reception was nearly empty, bathed in soft glow of white fluorescent lights. A television mounted high near the entrance played the evening news at a low but audible volume.
Rohit sat alone in the waiting area, legs crossed, scrolling through his phone. A familiar voice suddenly pulled his attention upward.
On the screen, Priya Dasgupta stood in front of the still-burning resort, speaking with clear urgency.
"We are getting shocking visuals from the resort property of MLA Sudhanshu Thakur. Earlier today, locals alleged that criminals were hiding inside along with black money and demanded an immediate police investigation. The situation turned ugly when the angry crowd barged in. What started as a protest has now spiraled out of control — the entire property is engulfed in flames."
She paused, the camera panning behind her to show firefighters battling the blaze. Smoke still billowed thickly into the night sky.
