9

Ek ajeeb si betaabi hai tere bin, reh bhi lete hain aur raha bhi nahi jata.

Avni pulled her car up to the office, glancing around at the dark, empty surroundings. The usual buzz of the place was missing, no watchman at the entrance, no security guards, nothing. Her grip tightened on the steering wheel, unease settling in her stomach. Driti, sitting quietly in the backseat, looked up at her with wide eyes.

She got out of the car, opened the door for Driti, and held her small hand as they walked up the stairs to Rudra's office. As they reached the door, Avni noticed something strange, the entire building was completely dark. Even the security lights were off. A chill ran down her spine.

Driti gripped Avni's shoulder tightly.

Avni crouched down to Driti's level and smiled gently. "Don't worry, darling. I'll turn on the lights. Everything's okay."

She turned on the flashlight on her phone, holding it in front of them as they walked down the dim hallways. The beam of light flickered over closed doors and empty chairs, the silence growing heavier with each step. They reached Rudra's office door, the name plate gleaming in the faint light on his door: Rudra Raishinghani - Minister.

Taking a deep breath, Avni pushed the door open. The room was empty.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she switch on the lights. The office lit up with a soft glow, but Rudra was nowhere to be found. She glanced around, everything seemed in place.

"Pappa?" Driti's said, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of her father.

"Pappa will be here soon, Driti."

With a sense of hope, she called out, "Rudra! Rudra!" But there was no response. Confused, she pushed herself up into a sitting position, glancing around the room. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding slightly.

"Rudra! Rudra!" she yelled again, her voice echoing in the stillness. Still, no answer came.

Feeling a rising sense of urgency, she got up from the chair and walked a little further into the room, calling his name once more. "Rudra!"

When there was still no response, she tried a different approach. "Rohan!" she shouted, hoping to catch his attention. But even that name was met with silence.

"Where is he?" Avni muttered under her breath, pacing the room. She ran her fingers through her hair, trying to calm her nerves.

Driti tugged on her sleeve. "Pappa?"

Avni knelt down in front of her, trying her best to keep her voice steady. "I'm not sure, sweetheart. But he'll come back soon, I promise. Maybe he's just running late or handling something important."

Driti's big eyes filled with tears, and she hugged her rabbit toy tighter. "Pappa."

Avni pulled her into a hug, rubbing her back gently. "I know, Driti. I know. He'll be here soon. Let's just wait a little while, okay? I'll figure out where he is."

Something didn't feel right. Where could he be? Why was the entire office deserted?

Suddenly, a soft creak echoed from down the hall, making both Avni and Driti freeze. Avni turned towards the door, her phone light trembling in her hand.

"Who's there?" she called out. She stepped closer to Driti, shielding her protectively.

There was no response. Just silence.

Avni was startled when she heard the sound of laughter echoing through the hallway. Her heart sank, but she quickly realized who it belonged to. Without wasting any time, she hugged Driti tightly, almost as if she could protect her. Avni whispered softly into Driti's ear, "We're going to your papa's office, okay? Let's go quickly." Driti nodded, still clutching her mother's hand.

When they reached Rudra's office, Avni carefully placed Driti on his large chair. "You sit here, sweetheart," she said gently, brushing Driti's hair out of her face. Avni rummaged through her bag, pulling out a few toys she had packed earlier. She handed them to Driti, smiling to ease her worry. "Play with these for a bit, okay? And remember, don't get down from the chair. Stay right here, and don't leave the room, no matter what."

Just as Avni was about to step away, she heard the voice again, clearer this time. "Avni! Where are you?" The voice was growing louder with each call. Avni's heart raced, but she forced a calm expression for Driti's sake.

Turning back to her daughter, Avni knelt down, placing a soft kiss on Driti's forehead. "I'll be right back, I promise. Stay here and don't move, okay?" Driti looked up at her mother with innocent eyes and whispered, "Avi mamma." The little girl reached out and held her mother's hand for a moment before letting go.

Avni gave her one last reassuring smile before straightening up. With one final glance at Driti, who was already distracted by her toys, she stepped out of the office, closing the door softly behind her. The voice called out again from down the hall.

This time, she had no choice but to face it.

Her breath caught in her throat, but she steadied herself. "Aryaman Singh," she called out, her voice firmer than she felt.

Aryaman turned slowly, his lips curling into a grin that sent chills down her spine. His laughter rang through the hallway, unsettling and loud, like that of a man who had lost control of his mind. Avni flinched at the sound, her pulse quickening. This was not the Aryaman she remembered; this was someone more dangerous, more unhinged.

"Thank you for believing me," Aryaman said, his voice mocking as he started to walk towards her. His eyes gleamed with a twisted sense of satisfaction.

"I didn't believe you," Avni shot back, taking a step backward, her eyes searching for any possible escape. But Aryaman's laughter only grew louder, more disturbing.

"Didn't you?" he taunted, closing the distance between them. "It was me who called you, pretending to be Rudra. I hacked his phone, Avni." His words cut through the air like a sharp blade. Avni's heart sank as the realization hit her, she had been tricked. She had walked right into his trap.

Avni's mind raced as she tried to figure out how to get out of this. Her body tensed, ready to run, but Aryaman was already too close.

He took another step towards her, his voice low and menacing. "Now there's no way you can escape from me. I always thought you were so tough, so untouchable, Avni. But look at you now, standing right in front of me, with nowhere to go."

Avni swallowed hard, fear creeping up her spine. She forced herself to meet his gaze, not to show weakness. "You won't win, Aryaman," she said through gritted teeth, though her mind screamed at her to run, to protect herself and Driti.

Aryaman's twisted smile only widened. "Oh, Avni, you have no idea how much I've already won."

Avni's heart raced as Aryaman's words echoed in her mind. Her mind screamed for her to do something, but she was trapped. She couldn't let Aryaman see her fear, not when Driti was so close, just a few steps away inside Rudra's office. She had to buy time, think of a way out, and keep him distracted.

"You haven't won anything, Aryaman," Avni spat, her voice steady despite the terror rising in her chest. "You think trapping me here will change anything? Rudra will find you. He'll make sure you pay for what you've done."

Aryaman's eyes gleamed with amusement, his twisted grin never faltering. "Rudra?" he sneered. "Oh, Avni, you're still holding on to that hope? He'll never see this coming." Aryaman took another step closer, so close now that Avni could feel the heat of his breath. "Besides, do you really think he can save you?".

Avni clenched her fists, her mind flashing back to the times Aryaman had manipulated and lied. She scanned the room, subtly inching backward toward Rudra's office door. If she could just get back to Driti, maybe she could lock them inside, call for help.

Aryaman noticed her movements and smirked. "Ah, trying to escape already? You won't get far, Avni." His hand reached out, grabbing her wrist with a grip so strong it made her wince. "But don't worry, I won't hurt you yet. I want you to see how powerless you are first. That's where the real fun is."

Avni yanked her hand back, but his grip tightened. "Let me go," she demanded, her voice firm even though panic was rising inside her. She needed to protect Driti at all costs.

"You're not in control here," Aryaman whispered, leaning closer. "I am."

■

(⚠️ slightly disturbing content ahead)

Rudra's hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as he drove, his heart thudding against his chest. His phone rang endlessly in his hand, but there was no answer. Avni still wasn't picking up. Beside him, Rohan sat tensely, glancing at Rudra's phone as it rang for the fifth, sixth, seventh time still nothing.

Rudra slammed the brakes suddenly, bringing the car to a halt on the side of the road. His chest heaved as he stared at the phone screen, the dial tone filling the car's silence. His hand trembled slightly as the call disconnected yet again. Without warning, tears began to well up in Rudra's eyes, and despite his best efforts, they spilled down his cheeks.

Rohan turned toward him, alarmed by the sudden outburst. "Rudra? What's wrong? Why are you crying?" he asked.

Rudra shook his head, his voice cracking as he spoke. "What if... what if something happens to Avni, Rohan?" His words were barely above a whisper, filled with raw fear. "What if I'm too late? She's stuck there, and I don't even know what Aryaman has planned."

Rohan placed a firm hand on Rudra's shoulder, squeezing it tightly. "Hey, don't talk like that. Avni bhabhi is strong. You know that. She'll be fine, Rudra." Rohan's tone was steady, confident, as he tried to pull Rudra out of his despair. "But she needs you to be strong right now. She needs you to fight for her, to save her. You can't give up."

Rudra wiped at his eyes, trying to pull himself together. "But what if I'm too late? What if Aryaman"

"No," Rohan cut him off sharply. "Don't think like that. You're not too late. We'll get to her. You know Aryaman better than anyone he wants to play games, but he won't do anything without making sure you're there to witness it. You still have time, Rudra. You just have to stay focused."

Rudra took a shaky breath, nodding as Rohan's words started to sink in. He had to be strong, for Avni, for Driti. They needed him now more than ever. He couldn't let his emotions cloud his judgment. Rohan was right he couldn't give up.

The car sped down the road, the tension thick in the air, but Rudra's mind was clear now. He wouldn't stop until Avni was safe in his arms again.

■

Aryaman's grip tightened on Avni's arm as he pulled her roughly toward him, his face twisted with malice. She winced, her breath hitching as the sharp pain shot through her arm. "Aryaman, stop!" Avni cried out, struggling against his hold, but he was far too strong. He bent her arm further, making her gasp in pain, tears welling up in her eyes.

Aryaman leaned in closer, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, "You think you and Rudra can escape what's coming? I'll make sure he suffers for every single thing he did to me."

Avni's heart pounded in her chest as she felt the weight of his words. The agony in her arm was nothing compared to the terror swirling inside her. "This isn't about Rudra," she managed to choke out. "This is about you and your sick need for control. Let me go!"

Aryaman's twisted smile grew wider as he bent her arm further, causing her to cry out again. "Oh, but it is about Rudra," he hissed. "He took everything from me. My pride, my power, everything. And now, I'm going to take it all back-starting with you. I'll break him all over again, Avni, and this time he won't be able to put himself back together."

Avni gasped as she hit the ground, her knees throbbing from where Aryaman had struck her. The object he had thrown clattered to the side, but her mind was already racing, desperate for a way out. The sharp pain in her legs made it hard to move quickly, but she couldn't give up. Not now.

Avni winced, but she gritted her teeth through the pain. She had to think fast. Aryaman leaned in, his face inches from hers, and whispered with venom in his voice, "I told you, I enjoy killing Rudra's family. First Sameera and now you."

Something inside Avni snapped. The fear that had gripped her moments ago gave way to anger, fierce and blazing. She wouldn't let Aryaman break her.

And then, with all her might, she kicked him hard in the stomach with her free leg.

Aryaman grunted in pain, stumbling back, his grip on her hair loosening enough for her to wrench herself free. She scrambled to her feet, ignoring the shooting pain in her knees and arm. Aryaman staggered, one hand clutching his stomach where she had kicked him.

"You bitch" Aryaman growled, but before he could finish, Avni aimed another kick, this time straight at his knee.

The impact was solid, and Aryaman let out a yell of pain, collapsing to one knee. Avni didn't waste a second. She turned and started to run, her legs screaming in protest, but she pushed through the pain. Freedom was just a few steps away.

But before she could reach the door, she felt something hit her from behind an object thrown by Aryaman. It struck her leg, causing her to stumble and fall hard to the floor.

Her breath caught in her throat as she hit the ground, her body aching from the fall. She struggled to get up, but before she could, Aryaman was already on her again, dragging her by her hair. "You think you can run from me?" he said.

"I have no problem breaking you, Avni," he spat, pulling her close to him once more. "I'll enjoy watching Rudra suffer when I tell him what I did to you."

Avni took the moment to crawl away as fast as she could, ignoring the burning sensation in her limbs. She couldn't afford to stop now. The door was within reach, and she had to get to safety. She could hear Aryaman cursing behind her, struggling to get up again.

Her heart pounded as she reached for the door, praying that Rudra would get there in time.

Just as Avni's fingers touched the door handle, her heart racing with a glimmer of hope, a sharp pain exploded across her face. Aryaman had slapped her with such force that it knocked her back from the door, her cheek stinging as she stumbled to the floor.

"Do you think you can escape, you bitch?" Aryaman hissed, his voice dripping with venom.

Avni's head spun, her vision blurred from the impact. Before she could react, Aryaman grabbed her roughly by the arm and dragged her away from the door, her body scraping against the cold floor as he pulled her closer to him.

"You thought you could investigate me? Dig into my life and expose my secrets?" Aryaman growled, his grip tightening painfully around her wrist. "You were trying to prove all those illegal things I've done, weren't you?"

Avni's heart pounded in her chest. She had, indeed, been investigating Aryaman, trying to uncover the truth about his criminal activities. She thought she had been careful, but clearly, he had found out. Now she was trapped, and her mind raced with fear and regret.

Aryaman leaned down, his face inches from hers as he sneered. "You're the only one who knows the truth, Avni. And that's exactly why I'm going to kill you." His words were cold, calculated, and they sent a chill down her spine. "No one will ever find out what I've done if you're dead."

Avni's breath hitched. She knew she was in real danger now. Aryaman had no intention of letting her leave alive. She struggled to pull away, but Aryaman's hold was too strong, and the pain in her body was too much to fight against.

"I've taken care of everyone who's ever stood in my way," Aryaman continued, his voice low and menacing. "And you, Avni, are just another obstacle. You really thought you were smart enough to bring me down? How pathetic."

Despite the fear coursing through her, Avni's mind fought to stay clear. She had to think of something, anything, to delay him. "Killing me won't stop the truth from coming out," she said, her voice shaking but firm. "Someone else will find out. You can't cover it up forever."

His eyes darkened, his grip on her tightening as he dragged her further away from the door. "Oh, I think I can," he said darkly. "But first, I'm going to make sure you regret ever crossing me."

Aryaman pulled a knife from his pocket, the blade gleaming coldly under the dim light. Avni's eyes widened in horror as he slowly bent toward her, his cruel smile sending chills down her spine. He took her palm in his rough grip, his fingers digging into her skin, and leaned in closer, the sinister smirk never leaving his face.

"Let's see how tough you really are, Avni," Aryaman whispered, his voice dripping with malice.

Without warning, he pressed the knife to her palm and, slowly, made a shallow cut across her skin. Avni winced, biting her lip to stop herself from crying out, but the pain was sharp and immediate. Her breath quickened, tears welling in her eyes as she tried to pull her hand away, but Aryaman held it firmly in place, enjoying her suffering.

"Does it hurt?" he taunted, his smile widening as he watched the blood from the cut. "Good."

He let go of her hand, and for a brief moment, Avni thought it might be over. But then he moved lower, his eyes narrowing as he looked at her knees, the spot she had already injured when he had thrown something at her earlier.

Before she could react, Aryaman took the knife and ran it cruelly along her wounded knee. The pain was immediate, searing through her body like fire.

"Ah..." Avni screamed, unable to hold back her agony as the blade sliced through the tender, bruised skin.

Aryaman laughed at her misery, clearly savoring every moment. "This is just a taste of what I'm going to do to you," he said, his voice filled with a sick pleasure. "You thought you could fight me, but look at you now. Helpless. Alone."

Aryaman's expression darkened. He crouched closer, the knife still in his hand, and glared into her eyes.

Just as Aryaman was about to drive the knife into Avni's chest, the door flew open with a bang. Standing there, was Rudra. His eyes burned with rage as he took in the horrific scene before him. Without hesitation, Rudra pulled out a gun and fired a shot. The bullet tore through Aryaman's hand, and the knife he was holding clattered to the ground.

Aryaman yelled in pain, clutching his bleeding hand, but Rudra wasn't finished. He stormed toward Aryaman, delivering a powerful kick that sent him crashing into the wall. Aryaman groaned, struggling to regain his balance, but Rudra had already turned, realizing his gun was out of bullets.

He rushed to his office, his heart pounding. As he entered, his eyes fell on little Driti, still sitting in his chair playing with her toys, completely unaware of the chaos outside. Rudra felt a wave of relief wash over him for a moment. He let out a long breath and called out to Rohan, "Rohan, Take Driti home, now!"

Rohan quickly stepped in, scooping Driti up in his arms. As he left with her, Rudra grabbed a second gun from his desk and sprinted back to where Aryaman had been. But when he returned, Aryaman was gone.

Panic set in for a second before Rudra's eyes fell on Avni, crumpled on the floor, her body covered in cuts and bruises. The sight of her in such pain made Rudra's heart break. Tears welled up in his eyes as he rushed toward her, kneeling beside her.

"Avni," he whispered, his voice shaking as he cradled her in his arms. Her face was pale, her breathing shallow, but her eyes fluttered open when she heard his voice.

"Rudra," she whispered weakly, her lips trembling.

Rudra cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing away a tear from her cheek. "I won't let anything happen to you sweetheart," he promised, his voice thick with emotion. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, holding her close.

But before he could do more, Aryaman emerged from the shadows, his eyes filled with vengeance. Before Aryaman could make another move, Rudra was ready. With one arm still holding Avni protectively, he raised his gun with the other and aimed straight at Aryaman.

The first shot rang out, hitting Aryaman in the chest. "This is for killing sameera," Rudra growled.

Aryaman staggered back, clutching his chest, but Rudra fired again. The second bullet struck him squarely. "This is for threatening my daughter."

Avni gasped, watching as Rudra, in anger, continued firing while his arms around her tightened. The third and fourth bullets hit Aryaman again, this time sending him crashing to the floor. "These," Rudra said with venom, "are for touching my wife and trying to kill her."

Blood pooled beneath Aryaman as his body weakened, but Rudra wasn't done yet. He walked toward Aryaman's now barely conscious form and fired several more shots into his chest. "And these," he said, his voice cold and merciless, "are to show the world that Rudra isn't just a politician. He's a man who protects his own family and party."

With that final shot, Aryaman lay still, his body lifeless on the ground.

Avni lay in Rudra's arms, barely conscious, blood seeping from her wounds and pooling beneath her. Her eyes fluttered, struggling to stay open, but she forced herself to focus on him. Rudra's heart raced as he held her, his mind racing with thoughts of getting her to safety.

"I won't let anything happen to you, Avni," he promised. He turned to make his way to the door, but suddenly, Avni's trembling hand caught his collar, stopping him in his tracks.

Rudra glanced down at her, worry etched across his face. Her lips trembled as if she wanted to say something, but the words refused to come. A sharp gasp escaped her instead, and she winced in pain.

"Is it hurting, sweetheart?" he asked softly, his voice filled with concern.

She nodded weakly.

Without hesitation, Rudra pulled her closer, tightening his grip as if trying to shield her from the pain. He lifted her gently into his arms, holding her as if she were the most fragile thing in the world. His heartbeat thudded in her ear, a steady rhythm that was both calming and reassuring.

"I've got you," he murmured, his breath warm against her hair. "I'm not letting go."

She buried her face into his chest, her body trembling as she leaned into his embrace. His arms, strong and protective, cradled her with a tenderness she hadn't expected.

Through her pain, she forced the words out, her voice weak and strained. "Ru... Ru... Rudra."

Rudra's eyes widened as he looked down at her, panic flickering in his gaze. "Haan," he answered softly, his voice laced with concern. "I'm here."

She tried to say more, her lips quivering, but the effort was too much. Seeing her struggle, he gently hushed her. "Shh, don't speak. Save your strength."

But she wasn't done. Her trembling hand reached up, clutching onto his shirt tightly as if her life depended on it. Her eyes, filled with pain and something more, locked onto his. She took a shaky breath, her voice barely a whisper.

"I... I'm pre... pregnant."

Rudra froze, his heart skipping a beat as the words sank in. Pregnant. He looked down at her in shock, but before he could respond, her body went limp in his arms. Her eyes fluttered shut, and her breathing became shallow.

"Hey, no, stay with me!" Rudra's voice cracked with desperation. He shook her lightly, but she didn't respond. Blood continued to drip from her wound, staining the floor beneath them. His heart raced, terror gripping him as he held her closer, frantically trying to stop the bleeding.

"Please... don't leave me," he whispered, his voice breaking as he fought to keep her conscious.

Just then, Rohan burst into the room, panting slightly from running. "Rudra! What happened? I heard gunshots!" His eyes widened as he took in the scene before him, Avni's blood-soaked clothes and the look of panic on Rudra's face.

"Get the car, Rohan! Now!" Rudra barked, his voice sharp with urgency. Rohan nodded and went out, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Rudra looked back down at Avni, whose face was pale and her breath shallow. "Avni, stay with me," he said, his heart aching as he brushed a strand of hair from her head.

Rohan reappeared a moment later, breathless but determined. "The car's ready!" he called out.

Rudra rushed out, his heart pounding with each step as he carried Avni toward the car. He felt her growing heavier in his arms, and a wave of panic surged through him.

He carefully laid her down in the backseat, ensuring she was comfortable despite the pain she was in. Rohan climbed into the driver's seat, glancing back at them with concern. "I'll drive as fast as I can, Rudra," he said.

As they sped away, Rudra held Avni's hand tightly, his heart racing as he looked at her pale face. "Just breathe, Avni. I'm right here," he whispered, feeling her grip loosen slightly.

■

As they screeched to a halt outside the hospital, Rudra's heart raced with urgency. Rohan quickly jumped out, rushing to open the back door. "Get the stretcher!" he shouted to a nearby nurse. With trembling hands, Rudra carefully lifted Avni and handed her over to the medical team waiting inside.

The doctors whisked her away into the emergency room, their faces a mask of determination and focus. Rudra's mind raced with worry as he paced the waiting area, his thoughts consumed by Avni's fragile state. Just then, his parents and Avni's parents rushed in, their expressions a mixture of panic and concern.

"Rudra!" his mother exclaimed, rushing to his side. "What happened?"

"Where's Avni?" her father demanded, looking around anxiously.

"She's in surgery. The doctors are working on her," Rudra replied, his. He felt Driti tugging at his shirt and looked down to see her wide, innocent eyes filled with confusion.

"Avi mamma?" she asked softly, her little voice breaking his heart.

Rudra swallowed hard, forcing a calm facade. "She's resting, sweetheart, she will come out soon" he said gently, bending down to hug her tightly. He kissed her forehead, feeling the weight of the moment.

Driti nodded, her small face reflecting a flicker of understanding, but he could see the worry in her eyes.

As the family began to gather, Rudra stepped aside, his mind racing. He needed strength, something to hold onto in this time of desperation. He wandered down a quiet corridor and stumbled upon a small shrine at the end, adorned with idols of Lord Ram and Sita.

Dropping to his knees, Rudra bowed his head, tears streaming down his face. "Ram ji," he cried, his voice breaking, "Please, heal my Sita. She's fighting so hard. I can't lose her. I can't do this without her."

"What if something happens to her?" he murmured to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't deal with that. I can't." The thought was too much to bear, sending chills down his spine. "If anything happens to Avni, I'll be mentally dead. I won't be able to live without her."

The image of her lying unconscious flashed through his mind, her face pale and bloodied. A fresh wave of tears filled his eyes as he clenched his fists, struggling to maintain his composure. "Please, God, don't take her away from me. She's my strength, my everything. I can't lose her. I don't know how to live without her."

His words poured out, raw and desperate, echoing in the small space. "Please... give her the strength to pull through. She's my everything."

After a moment, Rudra lifted his head, wiping his tears away with the back of his hand.

■

The hours dragged on, heavy with anxiety and uncertainty. Driti sat in Rudra's lap, her small hands curled against him as she rested her head on his chest, her fingers wrapped around his. The rhythmic rise and fall of his breathing was a small comfort in the midst of the storm swirling around them.

"Avi mamma?" she murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rudra gently stroked her hair, feeling the weight of her question. "Yes, baby. She's going to be okay," he assured her, though his heart ached with uncertainty. He needed to believe that. He needed Avni to fight through this.

Finally, the emergency room doors swung open, and the doctor stepped out, looking weary but composed. Rudra instantly stood up, taking Driti in his arms, and moved toward the doctor. "Doctor, how is Avni?" he asked.

"She's stable now, but the wounds are deep. Her knee and elbow bones are fractured. It's not a minor injury. It's going to take time for her to heal. She'll need a lot of care and support during her recovery," he explained.

Relief washed over Rudra, though the weight of the doctor's words sank in. "Thank you," he said quietly, his heart racing with the news. As the doctor turned to leave, Avni's mother suddenly burst into tears, her sobs echoing in the tense atmosphere.

"Why did this happen? Why did this happen to my avni!" she cried.

Avni's father wrapped an arm around his wife, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "We'll bring her home after she's discharged. We can take good care of her" he said.

Rudra's parents exchanged worried glances, clearly torn. They had wanted to offer their support, to care for Avni as family. "We can take care of her," Avni's mother insisted through her tears, desperation lacing her voice.

Avni's dad stood firm, his voice calm but unwavering. "We appreciate your concern, but Avni will recover better at home with us. We'll be taking her back today."

Rudra's mother exchanged a glance with her husband before responding gently, "We understand how you feel, but she's our daughter-in-law now. She's part of this family, and we want to take care of her here."

Avni's dad looked at his wife, then back at Rudra's parents. "I know you mean well, but right now, she needs to be with her family. Her well-being comes first, and we know what's best for her."

Rudra's father sighed, clearly not wanting to create tension. "We have everything here to make her comfortable. There's no need for her to leave. We can handle this."

Avni's dad, more resolute now, met his gaze. "It's not about what you can handle. It's about what Avni needs. She's coming home with us. That's final."

"Uncle, aunty," Rudra said. "She is your daughter. Your wish is our wish." His words hung in the air, making both his parents look at him.

"But Rudra, we want to help," his mother replied, her voice tinged with concern.

Rudra took a deep breath, shifting Driti to one side so he could look at both sets of parents. "I know. And I appreciate that more than you can imagine. But Avni needs her family right now. She'll heal better with you by her side."

He held Driti close, he would fight for her, just as she had fought for him. They were a family, and no one would take that away from him.

Rudra's heart raced as he said this. He turned to Avni's parents, his expression serious but filled with warmth. "Uncle, aunty, you need to take care of Avni and one other."

Avni's mother blinked in confusion. "Who?" she asked, furrowing her brow.

"Her baby," Rudra replied, his voice steady yet gentle.

Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief as the weight of his words sank in. Rudra could feel the emotions. Before he could say anything further, Rohan already knew what he is going to day.

"She is pregnant," Rurda confirmed, glancing at the stunned faces around him.

Rudra continued. "I found out just before all of this happened. Avni was going to tell you herself." He glanced toward the emergency room doors. "She needs you now more than ever. Take care of Avni and my baby."

As Rudra held Driti closer in his arms, he turned to everyone in the room. "Take care of her, I am going home," he said, his voice thick with emotion. He glanced at Rohan, who nodded, ready to follow him out.

Just as they were about to leave, Driti tapped Rudra gently with her tiny fingers. "Avi mamma," she said softly, her eyes wide and innocent.

Rudra smiled and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I know, sweetheart," he replied softly. "Avni will come home after a long time. But for now, it's just you and me."

He straightened up, glancing back at her. "We'll take care of each other, okay?"

Driti nodded, her little hand reaching up to touch his cheek. With one last look at the room, Rudra turned and walked out.

■

Rudra sat in the car, while Rohan driving. Driti was curled up against his arm, her tiny fingers wrapped tightly around his. He rested his head against the window, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on him, and tears began to stream silently down his cheeks.

"I know Avni would want to see Driti when she wakes up," he thought, his heart heavy with guilt. "But she's in this condition because of me and our marriage. I never meant to harm her." His mind raced as he replayed the events that had led to this point, the misunderstandings, the pressure, and the heartbreak.

"It's probably for the best if she stays at her parents' home," he reasoned, wiping away the tears with the back of his hand. "If she comes to our home, she'll just be reminded of all the trauma. I hope she'll be okay there with our baby."

He smiled softly through his tears, a bittersweet feeling washing over him as he thought to himself. "I'm going to be a father again," he thought, the happiness flickering momentarily through his sorrow. "If she feels safe and happy at her parents' home, let her stay there, even for the rest of her life. That's all I want for her."

He sighed. "I won't disturb her, and I won't let her enter my political life again. She deserves peace, away from the chaos that has surrounded us." With that, Rudra closed his eyes.

To be continued

Vote, and don't forget to comment because I have to know your reviews and get motivation to write next chapter.