Weight of regret

18 days ago

Mikky

@MidnightLibrary

Weight of regret

Zunaid swiftly handed the phone back to Sanyogita, who promptly stashed it away in a safer spot to outsmart the nefarious goon. Meanwhile, Prithvi managed to reclaim his mobile from the clutches of the goon who had snatched it upon his arrival at the scene.

ASP Zoya and Constable Shuklaji escorted the apprehended goons and Adheeraj to the police station, securing justice.

Meanwhile, Sanyogita slid into the driver's seat, determination etched on her face. "Anushka, please care for Prithvi; he's injured."

ACP Zunaid ensured their safety, directing Mrs. Malhotra sits beside her husband in the backseat “ Bhabhi you should take care of Prithvi, he needs you . I'll drive the car"

Sanyogita didn't interrupt, she nodded her head.

"We will not take any chances," he promised, designating a different policeman to accompany Sanyogita's car—which had followed Prithvi—to their apartment complex.

As the car glided through the night, Prithvi's gaze locked onto Sanyogita who was sitting just near him stealing a furtive , awkward glance from him. Her eyes, filled with concern, sparkled like diamonds. Butterflies danced in his stomach; his wounded heart swelled with hope.

"She still loves me" , he thought, his pulse racing. " There's still a chance to revive our marriage, to rekindle the flame."

Sanyogita's gentle glance met Prithvi's, and for an instant, time stood still. The world outside receded, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a sea of possibility.

As they sped towards the hospital, Anushka sat beside ACP Zunaid, her worry for Prithvi palpable. Zunaid, sensing her distress, wrapped his reassuring hand around hers.

They arrived at the hospital, and Prithvi was rushed into emergency care. Anushka's pent-up emotions burst forth like a tidal wave, cascading onto Zunaid's broad chest. He enveloped her in a comforting embrace.

"Shh, I'm here," he whispered, stroking her hair and back. "You're safe, Anu . Let it all out."

Anushka lifted her face up to gaze at Zunaid, he wiped her fat tears and began speaking "Your brother will be okay. We'll get through this together..hmm . I know you're strong, but you don't have to be strong alone."

Zunaid's heart swelled with empathy, witnessing Anushka's fragile state. He cradled her face, his thumbs wiping away tears.

"Anu , you're breaking my heart with your tears. But I'm here to mend it, to make it whole again."

As Anushka sobbed, her body grew heavy, exhausted from the emotional turmoil. Zunaid's gentle words poured soothing balm on her soul, calming her ragged breaths.

"If I told you to stop crying, you'd only cry more," he thought, smiling wryly. "Anushka's no exception."

He cradled her close, his voice a comforting melody.

"Anu, you're not alone. I'm here, beside you. You're a brave girl, a warrior instead. Remember how you made keema of those goons? You're a force to be reckoned with."

Zunaid's words infuse strength into Anushka's fragile state. He kissed her forehead, his lips imbuing calmly, reassuring her.

"You're strong, not just physically, but here," he shook her by her shoulder , "in your heart. You've faced adversity head-on and emerged victorious."

Anushka's sobs gradually subsided, replaced by the warmth of Zunaid's words. Her eyelids fluttered open, meeting Zunaid's reassuring gaze.

"I'm so proud of my , Anu" he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "You're my rock, my partner. Together, we'll weather any storm."

Anushka's gaze darted across Zunaid's calm face, drinking in the sincerity of his words. Her heart swelled, overflowing with gratitude and love.

"You're mine too, Zunaid," she whispered back, her voice barely audible.

Tears, forgotten in the warmth of Zunaid's words, prickled anew at the corners of her eyes. She felt seen, heard, and cherished.

Anushka's hand instinctively reached for Zunaid's, intertwining their fingers. His touch sparked electricity, calming her frazzled nerves.

"I love you," she breathed, her eyes locked on his.

Zunaid's face softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I love you more, Anu," he replied, his lips brushing against hers.

Their lips met in a tender kiss, a promise of forever sealed amidst the chaos.

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Sanyogita sat vigilantly outside the operating theatre, granting Anushka and Zunaid a private moment. The day's tumultuous events swirled in her mind, threatening to overwhelm her.

The door swung open, and the doctor emerged, a reassuring smile on his face. "The bullet's been removed from Prithvi's upper arm. Fortunately, there's no nerve or vessel damage."

Just then, the sound of boots and flat heels echoed down the hospital corridor, announcing the arrival of Anushka's parents. The trio turned in unison, their heads swivelling in slow motion.

Ananya's eyes brimmed with tears, her face etched with worry. Avinash's stern expression softened, revealing the depth of his concern.

Anushka rushed to her parents, embracing them tightly. "Mom...Dad," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Ananya enveloped her daughter in a warm hug. "We're here, beta. We're here."

Avinash's strong arms wrapped around his daughter and wife, holding them close. "We'll get through this together," he vowed.

Zunaid and Sanyogita exchanged a compassionate glance, their faces reflecting empathy.

As the family reunited, the hospital's sterile corridors momentarily transformed into a sanctuary of love and support.

Sanyogita's heart swelled with emotion as she watched Anushka embrace her parents. Longing for her own mother's warmth, she felt a pang of sadness. Since returning from Delhi, their conversations had been brief, and Sanyogita knew her mother was worried.

Anushka poured out her heart to her mother, recounting Adheeraj's sinister plot and how he targeted both her and Sanyogita. Annaya's expression transformed from concern to shock.

Zunaid approached, his voice filled with admiration. "Avinash Sir, Annaya ma'am, it's because of Sanyogita's courage and quick thinking that we were able to apprehend the culprits."

Avinash's gaze shifted, locking onto Sanyogita with gratitude. "Thank you, beta," he said, his voice trembling. "We owe you a debt of gratitude."

Annaya's eyes brimmed with tears. "You're like a daughter to us, Sanyogita. We're proud of you."

Sanyogita's cheeks flushed, her heart overflowing with emotion. Anushka rushed to her side, enveloping her in a warm hug.

Avinash's gaze locked onto Sanyogita, gratitude shining in his eyes. Ananya's steps bridged the distance, her arms enveloping Sanyogita in a warm hug.

"Beta, I'll never forget this gratitude," Ananya whispered, her voice trembling. "Despite being pregnant, you risked your life and baby's safety to save my daughter. Thank you, Sanyo."

Sanyogita's eyes welled up with emotions, her voice cracking. "Mamsy , why thank me? Prithvi and Anushka are my family. One is my husband, the other my little sister-in-law . You once considered me your own daughter; don't make me feel otherwise."

Ananya's smile mingled with tears. "You are the desirable eldest daughter-in-law of our house , Sanyogita. Today, you've proven it again. Your selflessness and love know no bounds."

Avinash stepped forward, his handshake firm. "Sanyogita , ACP Zunaid, thank you for saving our daughter. Your bravery and quick thinking have earned our eternal gratitude."

Zunaid nodded humbly. "It's our duty, Sir. But Sanyogita's courage was instrumental in apprehending the culprits."

Ananya's gaze lingered on Sanyogita. "You're not just a daughter-in-law, but a true member of our family. We love you, beta."

Zunaid nodded humbly. "It's our duty, Sir. But Sanyogita's courage was instrumental in apprehending the culprits."

Ananya's gaze lingered on Sanyogita. "You're not just a daughter-in-law, but a true member of our family. We love you, beta."

Sanyogita's heart swelled, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she felt accepted and cherished.

"Mamsy..." she whispered, her voice trembling. "Your words mean everything to me. I'm grateful to be part of this family."

Avinash's warm smile mirrored Ananya's. "You've always been part of our family, beta. Today, you've proven it again."

Sanyogita's emotions spilled over, and she hugged Ananya tightly. "Mamsy"

Ananya enveloped her in a warm embrace. "I love you , beta. You're a true daughter to me."

Ananya's gaze drifted to the bandage lining Sanyogita's neckline, her heart twisting in anguish. "Sanyo, beta, what happened to your neck?" Her voice cracked, trembling with concern.

Sanyogita's face paled, memories flooding back. Anushka intervened, recounting the ordeal.

"Mom, when Bhaiya was beating Adheeraj Bhabhi stopped bhaiya from beating Adheeraj further, but he pretended to be unconscious, abruptly he grabbed Bhabhi, holding a knife to her neck," Anushka explained, her voice steady.

Ananya's eyes widened in horror. "Hey bhagwan, ..."

He would've harmed Bhabhi if ASP Zoya hadn't intervened," Anushka continued. "She shot Adheeraj's hand, but he didn't stop. He snatched a gun, intent on shooting Bhabhi to spite Bhaiya."

Avinash's jaw clenched, anger flashing in his eyes.

"But Bhaiya saved Bhabhi, taking the bullet in his arm," Anushka concluded, her voice filled with gratitude..

Ananya and Avinash exchanged a horrified glance, their faces pale. The room seemed to spin around them as a chill coursed down their spines.

Ananya rushed to envelope Anushka and Sanyogita in a tight hug, tears streaming down her face. She kissed their foreheads.

"Bhagwan ka lakh kripa hai, joh tum sab thik ho..." (Thank God for his infinite mercy, that you're all safe).

"I want to meet Prithvi!" Ananya urged.

"Bhaiya is safe now , Mom," Anushka reassured, her voice trembling.

Zunaid let out a sigh of relief, his eyes closing momentarily.

Avinash placed a comforting hand on Ananya's shoulder.

"We're together, Sanyogita beta . That's all that matters." Avinash said.

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They entered the private cabin, and Ananya's gaze fell upon Prithvi. Her heart faltered. He sat upright, a white gauge wrapping his left upper arm, purple bruises margin the corners of his lips, and a minor cut on his right cheek.

Prithvi's eyes locked onto Ananya and Avinash. His chest swelled, and his voice barely above a whisper, "Mamsy...Chote Papa."

Ananya's emotions overflowed. She rushed to Prithvi's side, tears streaming down her face. "Prithvi..." She gently hugged him, careful of his injured arm.

Avinash's eyes misted as he stood near Prithvi's right side. "We're here, son. You're safe now."

Prithvi's face crumpled, his heart swelling, but his eyes remained dry. "Mamsy, I'm sorry...I couldn't protect Anu..."

Ananya's gentle fingers stroked his hair. "You did, beta. You saved her. You're the brave son of our family."

With caution, Ananya fondled Prithvi's uninjured side. "Beta, itna sab kuch ho gaya...then why didn't you inform us? You went through so much!"

Shadows of embarrassment and regret danced across Prithvi's face. His gaze dropped, unable to meet his family's eyes.

Sanyogita's gaze locked onto Prithvi, her eyes searching for answers. A sudden void echoed within her, as if the trauma had resurfaced.

Anushka stepped forward, her voice soft. "Bhaiya, you didn't fail. You saved me, and Bhabi."

Prithvi's eyes snapped up, meeting Sanyogita's intense stare. A silent understanding passed between them, the weight of their shared ordeal palpable.

Ananya wrapped her reassuring arms around Sanyogita's shoulders. "Don't worry, beta. We'll face everything together. We'll overcome this as a family."

Avinash nodded in solidarity. "Absolutely right."

Anushka rushed to her brother's side, embracing him tightly. Her eyes welled up, and her body shuddered as the spine-chilling incident flashed before her eyes.

Prithvi's gentle voice comforted his sister, "Anu, I'm fine. You go now, you need a proper rest." His eyes, though weary, shone with reassurance.

But Anushka refused, her voice childlike and stubborn. "No, Bhaiya! I won't leave you like this!" Her lower lip trembled, and her eyes brimmed with tears.

Anushka's pleading gaze locked onto Sanyogita, who stood beside the bed, her hand resting on the railing. "Bhabhi, please ask Bhaiya to let me stay...I want to be with him."

Prithvi's gentle smile soothed his sister's concerns. "By pursuing your bhabhi's favour, I won't change my mind. It's very late, and you need a tight sleep." He patted Anushka's left cheek with his healthy hand, his touch warm and comforting.

Sanyogita stepped closer, her voice soft and persuasive. "Anu, we're all safe now. Nothing bad will happen to us. You should rest." Her right hand wrapped around Anushka's shoulder, offering reassurance.

Anushka turned to her brother, her eyes searching for confirmation. Prithvi nodded, his expression resolute.

The tender moment brought a fleeting smile to everyone's face, including Zunaid, who watched with admiration. Ananya and Avinash exchanged a warm glance, grateful for their family's bond.

As Sanyogita's words sank in, Anushka's resolve began to waver. She hugged her brother tightly, her tears mingling with relief, soaking into Prithvi's hospital gown.

Sanyogita turned to Ananya and Avinash, her voice laced with concern. "Mamsy, Chote Papa, now everything is under control. You both need a good night's sleep too, just like Anu."

Ananya's eyes clouded with worry. "Sanyo, Prithvi, you two come with us. After what we've heard, we can't risk leaving you alone." Her voice trembled, revealing her deep-seated fear.

Sanyogita's heart sank, a mix of emotions swirling within her. Sadness and longing pounded her heart at the idea of going back to the Malhotra mansion, where she would be living with her family again, under the same roof.

Prithvi sensed the tension between the two women. His voice was calm and reassuring, he intervened, "Mamsy, we're fine. We'll be safe here." His gaze met Sanyogita, seeking her silent understanding.

Ananya's expression remained resolute. "No, beta. We'll face this together, as a family. The worker will pack all the materials of yours ; we're going home."

Avinash nodded in agreement, his jaw set. "Ananya's right. We can't take any more risks."

Sanyogita's eyes locked onto Prithvi's, her unspoken concerns reflected in his understanding gaze.

"Mamsy, Chote Papa, we're fine," Prithvi assured, sensing the tension between Ananya and Sanyogita.

Avinash's eyes dropped, embarrassment etched on his face. "Prithvi, you still haven't forgiven me, your Chote Papa, and your Dad." His voice cracked.

"I know what Bade bhaiya told you two. Mom has to leave us because of this. But I agree with Mamsy, Sanyo and you need us." Avinash's words poured out, filled with regret.

Prithvi's voice cut through, firm but gentle. "Chote Papa, knowing we're in your heart is enough for us. It's late, and you two must be tired. Anu needs proper rest. Please, go home."

Sanyogita's gaze locked onto Prithvi's, reading the emotions he struggled to conceal. His eyes, though calm, betrayed the depth of his pain. Four months had passed since they left Malhotra Mansion, and the wounds still lingered.

As Prithvi's words hung in the air, his heart grew heavy, longing for the comfort of home. Sanyogita sensed the weight of his unspoken emotions, the burden he carried.

Ananya's piercing gaze locked onto Prithvi, her eyes unwavering. She recognized the depth of his pain, familiar with the stubbornness he inherited from his father, Abhiram.

Ananya's voice cracked as she turned to Sanyogita, her eyes pleading. "Sanyo, tu toh samajh daar hai na? Usse kuch samjha, please." (Sanyo, you understand him, make him understand). Her words hung in the air like a desperate prayer.

"Tum dono apni zid pe yeh bhool rahe ho ki ek life tumse judi hai." (You both are forgetting that a life is attached to you). Ananya's gaze bore into Prithvi's, her voice laced with anguish.

"Sanyo is pregnant with your child, Prithvi. Anushka told me how Adheeraj...planned to give her abortion pills." The revelation shook the air.

Prithvi's face froze, his eyes locked onto Sanyogita. He searched for reassurance, desperate to prove his innocence. His mind reeled, the weight of his actions crushing him.

Sanyogita's heart swelled, heavy with unshed tears. Yet, she controlled her emotions, her voice steady. "Mamsy, we'll be absolutely fine. You're all with us now. Nothing can harm us." Her words belied the turmoil brewing within.

Prithvi's gaze lingered on Sanyogita, seeking forgiveness. His lips parted, but words failed him.

Ananya's expression softened, her voice barely above a whisper. "Prithvi, beta, we'll leave, but promise us you'll come home soon."

Prithvi's nod was almost imperceptible, his eyes misting.

Anushka, sensing her brother's emotional turmoil, wrapped her arms around him. "Bhaiya, we'll leave, but promise me you'll take care of yourself."

Prithvi's gentle smile reassured her. "I will, Anu. Go, get some rest."

As Ananya and Avinash were prepared to leave, Sanyogita accompanied them to the door.

"Thank you, Mamsy, Chote Papa," Prithvi called out.

Avinash turned, his eyes welling up. "We'll make it right, Prithvi. I promise."

The door closed, leaving Prithvi and Sanyogita alone.

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As Avinash prepared to leave, his voice trembled with concern. "ACP Zunaid, please ensure Prithvi and Sanyogita safety. I cannot bear the thought of losing them too."

Zunaid's expression turned resolute, his jaw set. "Inspector Ravinder Nagar will stay here tonight. Don't worry, Sir. They'll be protected."

Avinash's eyes, red-rimmed from exhaustion and worry, welled up with gratitude. "Thank you, Officer. Your reassurance means everything."

" It's our Duty sir," Zunaid answered back. His eyes were shining with confidence and trust .

Anushka's gaze drifted from her father's emotional exchange with Zunaid to the officer's compassionate face. Her heart swelled, longing for the day her parents would accept her feelings for Zunaid.

As she watched, a gentle smile spread across her face, softening her features. Her eyes, still haunted by the kidnapping ordeal, shone with a glimmer of hope.

Zunaid wanted to question Anushka about how she was kidnapped. However, he chose to carry out this task the following day after noticing her terrified state.

ACP Zunaid's eyes softened as he gazed at Anushka's fragile form. "Not tonight," he decided. "She needs rest."

His mind replayed the night's events. The frantic search on the highway, police scouring every vehicle. The radio alert echoed in his mind: "Miss Anushka Malhotra, MBBS final-year student and daughter of businessman Avinash Malhotra, was kidnapped. Investigate immediately."

As Zunaid prepared to leave, he explained, "I have an emergency at the station. So I need to leave immediately,"

Anushka's heart racing, her palms grew damp as Zunaid mentioned the police station. She sensed his urgency, her mind racing with the impending consequences for Adheeraj and his accomplices.

As Zunaid's eyes locked onto hers, Anushka knew he would ensure justice. The humiliation, the pain, and the fear would be accounted for. Tonight, under the darkness of the police station, Zunaid would take every ounce of her tears from those monsters.

The hospital's dimly lit parking lot echoed with the distant whimpering of street dogs. The lone sound amplified the desolate atmosphere.

Anushka exchanged a final glance with Zunaid through the car window. His reassuring nod steadied her frazzled nerves.

Sandwiched between her parents, Avinash and Ananya, Anushka felt secure. Bodyguards flanked them, their imposing presence a shield against the night's uncertainties.

The driver ignited the engine, and the luxury car glided smoothly out of the hospital compound. As it vanished into the darkness, Zunaid's police Scorpio followed, its headlights casting an eerie glow.

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Nurses entered the private cabin, bearing trays of steaming food, ordered by the doctors. "Mr. Malhotra hasn't eaten since morning," they informed Mrs Malhotra, their voices laced with concern.

Sanyogita's heart sank, weighed down by the gravity of Prithvi's condition. A staff member arrived with the food trolley, the aroma of warm soup and roasted vegetables filling the space. He set the meal on the table, his efficient movements a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil brewing within.

As the staff departed, the cabin's silence grew oppressive. Sanyogita's gaze drifted to Prithvi, sitting still, his left upper arm wrapped in a gauze bandage . She recalled the countless times he'd held her hand, his left fingers intertwined with hers.

As Prithvi settled back into his pillow, his gaze drifted involuntarily to the rectangular bandage wrapped around Sanyogita's neck. The stark white fabric stood out against her delicate skin, a jarring reminder of the danger she'd faced.

Memories assailed him, vivid and unrelenting, like a nightmare that refused to fade. The image of her fragile neck, bruised and bleeding, seared itself into his mind. His chest tightened, as if the weight of his anxiety had physically shifted.

The scene replayed in his mind's eye: Sanyogita's terrified expression, her struggles, the laughter of Adheeraj, his deadly gun on the trigger point , and the eerie silence that followed. Each detail cut through him like a fresh wound.

Prithvi's eyes lingered on the bandage, his thoughts tormented by what-ifs and maybes. His fingers twitched, aching to reach out and gently touch the injured area, to soothe away the pain and erase the memories.

With a deep breath, Sanyogita sat opposite him, the bowl of soup cradled in her hands. She blew gentle streams of air, cooling the liquid. Prithvi's eyes fluttered open, locking onto hers.

As the meal ended, the silence between them grew more suffocating.He complied, his gaze never wavering. Sanyogita's cheeks flushed as she spoon-fed him, their eyes locked in a wordless understanding.

Sanyogita's gentle movements as she tended to him only heightened his anguish. Her selflessness and love stood in stark contrast to his own helplessness.

Prithvi noticed Sanyogita avoiding eye contact, her lashes casting shadows on her cheeks. He longed to speak, to reassure her, but the weight of his secrets held him back.Their silence was oppressive, a palpable force that neither dared breach.

Sanyogita's skin prickled as Prithvi's intense gaze lingered on her, the air thickening with unspoken tension. This day had unfolded like a gripping thriller, each moment fraught with suspense.

The weight of unspoken words hung between them. Prithvi refrained from scolding Sanyogita for following him alone, without her bodyguard. She, in turn, didn't dare confront him about hiding the truth. Anushka's revelations echoed in her mind: Adheeraj's sinister game, using them as pawns.

Prithvi's eyes, once bright with love, now seemed haunted. His past loomed, a spectre poised to shatter their peaceful existence. The burden of his secrets silenced him.

As the silence stretched, Sanyogita's discomfort grew. She felt trapped, ensnared in a web of secrets and lies.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Night descended, casting a veil of shadows outside the hospital cabin to which Prithvi was admitted . Anushka and her parents had departed, leaving behind an unsettling silence. Unnoticed, a figure emerged from the darkness, halting before the door .

The figure's eyes, etched with longing, darted across the pane, searching for a glimpse of the occupant. As his gaze settled on Prithvi's fragile form, his expression softened. His heart was heavy with emotions as his eyes darted across inside the room through the square-shaped small glass-made portion of the gate . He felt crushed under the weight of countless regrets.

Four months had passed since he last beheld his son's face, and the ache within him had only intensified. The distance between them seemed insurmountable, a chasm carved by his own mistakes.

As he stood there, frozen in time, memories flooded his mind: Prithvi's childhood laughter, his first steps, and his bright smile. The pain of separation threatened to overwhelm him.

With a deep breath, he stepped closer, his eyes never leaving Prithvi's face. Through the glass, he witnessed Sanyogita's tender care, her love radiating like a warm ember.

The figure's face contorted, a mix of sorrow and resolve. He knew he had to make amends, to bridge the gap between himself and his son. The question was: would Prithvi forgive him?

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