Trigger Warning: This chapter contains emotionally intense and potentially triggering content. Please take care of your mental space before reading. Read gently, and pause if you need to. 🤍

AUTHOR'S POV

5 April 2007 | California

"Mumma! He ate my ice cream!"

Nine year old Saanvi stands in the hallway, fists clenched at her sides, her voice high with frustration. Her amber eyes brim with tears as she glares toward her and Vikram's room, her small frame wrapped in a fluffy white rabbit jumpsuit ears bouncing as she stomps her foot.

Suhana exhales quietly, closing the kitchen cabinet as she turns to face her daughter. The dim yellow light above them flickers slightly, casting soft shadows across the room.

"Saanvi, baby, I promise I'll get you ice cream tomorrow," she says gently, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It's way past midnight. We can't go out now."

But Saanvi doesn't budge. With a dramatic huff, she throws herself down on the cool marble floor, flailing her small arms and legs in the air. Her chubby cheeks flushed red, tears spilling down her face as she sobs louder.

"No! No!" she cries. "I want it now! Vikram bhai always does this! He always eats mine!"

Suhana presses her lips together, glancing at the hallway clock. 12:15 AM.

She crouches down slowly, her long cotton nightgown brushing the floor. Her hands rest lightly on Saanvi's arms as she helps her sit up. Saanvi sniffs as she looks up at her mother.

"Oh, my stubborn little girl," Suhana murmurs with a soft smile, brushing her fingers through Saanvi's short, messy hair. "Why do you make such a fuss over every little thing?"

"Because it's mine," Saanvi mumbles, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. "And I really wanted it."

She suddenly throws her arms around Suhana's waist, burying her face into her stomach.

"Let's go to the supermarket, Mumma. Please? I want ice cream," she pleads in a muffled voice.

Suhana sighs again, this time deeper, resting her chin on top of her daughter's head as she wraps her arms around the small, warm body clinging to her.

"It's the middle of the night, my precious..."

Saanvi pulls back. Then a soft sound of paws pattering across the tiles. Taffy, their young beagle, trots in and sits beside Saanvi with a light huff, tail sweeping slowly side to side.

"We'll take Taffy too," Saanvi says hopefully, turning her face to Taffy. "Okay, Taffy?" Taffy licks her paw, then looks up at Suhana with the same innocent stare Saanvi is wearing.

Suhana looks at the two of them the puppy eyed daughter and the literal puppy and lets out a laugh despite herself.

"Fine," she says, shaking her head. "Let's go."

Saanvi jumps to her feet instantly. "Yay!"

"Quiet," Suhana hushes with a finger to her lips. "Let me check on your brother."

She walks into Vikram's room quietly. The boy is fast asleep on the upper bunk, blanket half kicked off, his chest rising and falling in slow rhythm. Satisfied, Suhana smiles and backs out without a sound, pulling the door shut behind her.

She heads to her own room and changes quickly, she walks back out and finds Saanvi already slipping on her shoes by the door, Taffy sitting alert beside her.

"Alright," Suhana says, grabbing her keys. "Ice cream adventure at midnight. Let's go."

------------------

"I saw Beauty and the Beast today," Saanvi announces, "And I hated it."

Suhana glances at her from the corner of her eye, a slight frown forming. Saanvi sits beside her in the passenger seat, the long ears clutched tightly in one small hand. The other rests carefully on a paper bag in her lap, protecting the ice cream like treasure. Her tiny feet swing just above the floor mat.

"Why?" Suhana asks, eyes drifting back to the road.

"The beast was mean," Saanvi says scrunching her nose. "His voice was loud and his face was angry. I don't like angry faces. I like the princes who smile and say nice things. Like Prince Charming. Or... what's his name, the one who sails the boat in Little Mermaid."

"Prince Eric?"

"Yes! Him!" Saanvi nods eagerly. "He gave Ariel flowers and stuff. That's nice."

Suhana smiles, her fingers relaxing slightly on the wheel. "Well, sweetheart... that beast was a prince too. Once."

Saanvi thinks for a moment. "Maybe. But he still scared me. I don't want a prince like that."

"But the right person, like Belle can remind them who they were."

Saanvi tilts her head, "Still. I don't want to fix anyone. I want someone who's already good." She pauses. "Is Papa like that?"

Suhana laughs under her breath. "Your papa is exactly like that."

Taffy lets out a bark from the back seat, tail thumping once.

Saanvi giggles, twisting in her seat to look at him. "Taffy likes princes too, right?"

Suhana just shakes her head with a small smile and looks back at the road suddenly a black sedan swerves suddenly into their lane and breaks hard, blocking the narrow road ahead.

Suhana slams the brakes without thinking. The car screeches to a stop. Saanvi and Taffy jerk forward, held back sharply by their seatbelts.

Her fingers clamp the steering wheel. Through the windshield, her gaze locks on the dark figure inside the stopped car. A vague reflection moves behind the glass just enough to freeze her in place. Her instincts scream.

She shifts into reverse and swings the wheel sharply, gravel crunching beneath the tires. The car jolts backward and pivots roughly as she accelerates. The forest rushes past on both sides, dark and endless.

She glances at the rearview mirror and sees the black car following closely behind, gaining on them.

"Saanvi," she says, trying to stay calm, though her voice cracks slightly. "Call Papa. Now."

Saanvi blinks at her, confused. "Mumma, what's-"

"Just call him," Suhana snaps, harsher than she means to, eyes flicking between the road and the mirror.

Saanvi grabs the phone, presses the screen then looks down helplessly.

"It's dead," she whispers. "Mumma... it just shut off."

Suhana swears under her breath. Her stomach clenches as she scans the road again. No headlights in the distance, no turnoffs. Just trees, and the sense of being watched.

Before she can react, the black car overtakes them again and screeches to a stop right in front of her. She slams the brakes once more, her entire body jolting forward as the car skids to a halt.

Her heart pounds in her ears. She watches in horror as three men in their late thirties step out of the car in front. Her hand trembles on the gearstick, the other still on the wheel.

"Mumma..."

Suhana unbuckles her seatbelt. She pulls Saanvi into her lap, holding her close, her grip tightening by the second. She doesn't take her eyes off the men.

"Taffy," she says without turning. The dog responds immediately, jumping up in the back seat. She pushes the door open and runs.

The air hits her face as she bolts into the night, Saanvi clutches tightly against her chest. Taffy keeps pace beside her, barking with urgency. Her shoes crunch against the gravel before she veers off road into the trees, her breath ragged and fast.

"Stop running, Suhana!" one of the men shouts. "Don't make this harder than it has to be."

She doesn't look back but soon a hand grabs her arm roughly and yanks her to a halt. She stumbles but doesn't fall, her arms wrapping protectively around Saanvi. Her body acts faster than her thoughts now. Everything is instinct.

"Roman, get the girl,"

Roman, he tries to pull Saanvi away, but Suhana turns, shielding her daughter with her arms and body. "Please don't touch her. She's a child. Please."

Saanvi cries into her shoulder, clutching her tightly. "Mumma, don't let them-"

Before Roman can react, Taffy lunges and bites his leg, hard. "Shit!" Roman stumbles, trying to shake the dog off. The pain makes him swear under his breath.

Taffy plants himself in front of Suhana, snarling with teeth bared, unafraid. Her growls fill the space between them and the men.

"Jayden, get the dog," the same man orders. "Now."

Jayden steps in, grabs Taffy roughly by the collar, and yanks her back with both hands. Taffy resists, barking, but Jayden's grip was unrelenting.

Suhana steps back, holding Saanvi tighter. Her tears fall silently, her entire body shakes.

The man in the center steps closer. "You're shaking," his lip curls. "But you weren't scared when your husband slapped me in front of everyone, were you?"

Suhana's knees feel weak, "Please, just let us go. I have my daughter with me. Please, Yashwant..."

He chuckles darkly, wiping his thumb along his eyebrow as he shakes his head slowly. "Too late for that."

Roman steps forward and forcefully pulls Saanvi from Suhana's grasp. Saanvi panic and thrashed wildly, her arms flying in defense with her small fists. With a sharp cry and gritting her teeth, she claws at Roman's neck, digging her nails in deep before slamming her small fist into his eye.

He recoils with a hiss. "This little bitch!" He catches her wrists, gripping them tightly, his glare hardening.

Suhana lunges toward them, desperate to take her back but a sudden, violent pull yanks her by the hair. She cries out, stumbling as pain shoots down her spine.

"Mumma!" Saanvi screams. Taffy growls and jerks against Jayden's grip, trying to break free.

Yashwant shoves Suhana to the ground. Her knees scrape against the gravel, a sharp burn searing through her skin and before she can recover, he grabs her hair again and begins dragging her like a sack of weight across the path toward the rusted shell of the abandoned factory.

Roman and Jayden follow, Roman gripping a struggling Saanvi in his arms, Jayden gripping Taffy behind them.

Suhana cries, kicking helplessly, her legs scraped and bruised as they drag her across the cracked concrete. Inside the factory, Suhana was thrown to the concrete floor, her knees sting, her palms burn. She tries to rise, but her muscles tremble with the shock.

"Don't hurt her!" Yashwant turns to Saanvi, eyebrows lifting with a mocking softness. "Well, look at you. Little rabbit got a voice."

He strolls over to Roman and peers down at Saanvi, who is being held tightly in his arms and reaches out, brushing his fingers against Saanvi's cheek. She jerks her head back and bites down on his fingers hard.

"Don't touch me!" she yells, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Leave my mumma alone!"

Yashwant pulls his hand back with a grimace, eyes narrowing as he stares at the red bite mark forming on his fingers.

Suhana crawls forward despite the pain. "Yashwant, please," she begs. "She's just a child. Don't involve her in this. Please..."

Jayden steps in without a word and kicks her squarely in the ribs. She crumples back to the ground with a gasp, her body curling around the pain.

Yashwant clenches his jaw, he grabs Saanvi's cheeks with one hand, squeezing hard enough to redden her skin. Her lips tremble, but she doesn't look away.

"Bold for your age, aren't you?" he mutters, voice thick with sarcasm. "Trying to act brave like your father,"

Saanvi glares through her tears, chin quivering, she stares up at him with pure defiance in her eyes.

Yashwant leans in, "You know," he says, unbuttoning the first two buttons of his shirt, "you really should've thought twice before showing me attitude. Now watch what that bravery costs you."

He glances over at Suhana, then he looks back at Saanvi. "Because of you, your mother is going to be hurt. One by one. By all of us. And you, little rabbit, are going to watch every second of it."

Saanvi's face crumples, terror crawling up her spine as she gasps silently, too stunned to scream.

Across the room, Suhana lifts her head just in time to hear those words. Her eyes lock onto Yashwant's and something in her chest collapses. Her mouth parts, but no sound comes out. Her heart crashes against her ribs as if trying to escape. And just like that every ounce of breath, every shard of hope drains out of her.

Suhana shakes her head violently, crawling back on her elbows. "Please... don't. Please..."

He chuckles under his breath. "Don't?" He glances at Roman and Jayden, who both laugh behind him. "I never understood that word." He steps forward slowly. "You could've made this easy, Suhana. You had your chance. All I asked for was one night." He crouches to her level. "But you looked at me like I was filth. Like I wasn't worth the dust under your damn shoes. And then your husband-" he stops, grinding his teeth at the memory, "-your husband decided to grow a spine. That bastard Anubhav Malhotra had the audacity to put his hands on me. In front of my own people." He shakes his head slowly "He dragged me by the collar and then he hit me. Over and over. In front of everyone."

Yashwant's eyes burn as the memory plays vividly in his head. "And for what? Because I made an offer? One night with you, Suhana that was it. Just one. And in return, I would've made him the most powerful businessman on the West Coast."

He laughs then, humorless and seething. "But what did that self righteous prick say?" Yashwant mimics Anubhav's voice, eyes widening with mockery. "'First learn to be a man yourself.' 'She's my wife.' 'Say one more word about her, and I'll take your fucking life.'"

He scoffs, running a hand down his face as if trying to control the fury building in him. He can still see Anubhav's face, the cold fury in his eyes, right before the man yanked him up by his collar. The sheer humiliation of it makes Yashwant's teeth grind together. He stares at Suhana, who is cowering on the floor, trembling. He bends down, grabbing a handful of her hair, and slams his mouth over hers. Suhana immediately tries to fight back, her hands pushing against his chest, but he shoves her onto her back. Hovering over her, he pins her arms above her head.

"Mumma! Mumma, please leave her! Mumma is crying!" Saanvi wails, her small body wriggling in Roman's arms, desperate to get to her mother.

Yashwant's lips leave Suhana's and move down to her throat, his hands tracing a trail down her body. He started to rip at her top. "Stop! Yashwant, don't!" she cried, squeezing her eyes shut, pushing against him with the last reserves of her strength, but he was immovable. He paused, his face inches from her neck his breath hot on her skin. She cries harder,

"Tell your daughter to shut up," he murmurs against her skin, "or she's next."

Suhana screams in pain and turns her head, her eyes locking on Saanvi, who is still crying, her face a mask of terror. Tears stream down Suhana's face. "Saanvi," she chokes out, "Look away, baby. Look away."

Saanvi shakes her head, her eyes fixed on the horrific scene. Beside her, Taffy's barks grow frantic, the dog staring at the scene, a helpless witness to the horror unfolding.

Suhana screams as Yashwant yanks her top away. His hands are all over her, groping her body as a new wave of sobs escapes her. She tries to cover herself, but he pins her hands down again. Her throat raw and dry from screaming, and as her strength drains away, her eyes close. Tears spill from the corners of her eyes as she looks up, and a hard, tearing pain met with a guttural cry.

"No! Please, I'm sorry! Don't hurt her!" Saanvi begs.

The world starts to fade. Suhana can hear Saanvi's screams, but they sound far away. All she feels is a brutal, searing pain between her legs.

"Anubhav..." her lips mouth the name.

"Alright, boys, take your turn." The callousness in Yashwant's voice cuts through her haze. Her vision blurs, and she sees the vague shape of Roman unbuttoning his shirt, looking down at her. The pain comes again, a sudden, violent thrust. She tries to scream, but no sound comes out. All she can manage is a whisper, "Please... don't." His hands are on her again, and she feels disgust so profound it threatens to drown her.

"Jayden," she hears, just before she feels another sharp, agonizing pain. The same violation, the same sickening touches. Through the fog, she can hear Saanvi's desperate crying and Taffy's barking.

After hours of unspeakable torture, Suhana barely feels human anymore. Every inch of her body aches, smeared with blood and bruises. Her thighs are sticky with dried fluids, she feels the sickening warmth of a liquid between her legs. Blood. Her skin was a canvas of pain, raw scratches, deep finger marks, and bite wounds sting with every breath she takes. She lies there, naked and broken, her mind slipping between awareness and blackness.

"Cover her up. This can't look like an assault," Yashwant says, pulling on his shirt and staring at her body.

Roman and Jayden roughly put her clothes back on. Suddenly, she feels a different touch, small hands, trembling and warm, wrapping around her. Her heavy eyelids flutter open and she looks to see Saanvi, tears soaking her shoulder her dusty cheeks streaked with tears.

"Mu-mumma... I'm scared..." Saanvi sobs, seeing her mother, covered in dust and blood. Suhana tries to sit up, but a sharp cry of pain tears from her throat. Her stomach twists, and the pain between her legs flares, her hands clutching her stomach as her body shudders violently.

"So, what now?" Roman asks, standing next to Yashwant, all three men staring down at Suhana, who is trembling, with her daughter and the dog huddled close.

Yashwant stares at them. "Burn them. Make it look like a car crash."

Jayden's head jerks toward him. "The kid too? She's just a child."

"She's a witness. You want to risk prison over a kid?" Put them in the car and burn it," Yashwant says, raking a hand through his hair. Roman nods and walks towards them.

"Saanvi... run," Suhana whispers,

Saanvi shakes her head violently, tears blurring her vision. "No... no..." she cries, clinging to her mother.

Roman reaches for Saanvi. Suhana lifts her head. "Please... let her go. Don't touch her..."

Roman glares, pulling a gun from his waistband and loading it pointed at her head. "Shut your mouth," he growls. "Unless you want another round. You weren't complaining earlier."

His smirk sends a cold shiver through her. Rage burns through her pain. Her hand, trembling, reaches for a jagged rock nearby. She grips it hard and swings it at his foot. He yells as the stone strikes, and the gun drops with a thud.

Suhana lunges forward, seizes the gun with both hands, and raises it. Her arms shake, her body barely supporting her weight, a gasp escapes her lips as her legs give out, a jolt of agony searing through her stomach but the gun stays pointed. Yashwant's jaw tightens and Jayden freezes.

"Run, Saanvi!" Suhana shouts, crawling backward to shield her daughter. "Go now!"

Saanvi stands behind her, frozen in place, sobbing uncontrollably. Her eyes dart from her mother to the men in front of them. "I'm not leaving you, mumma..." she pleads.

Yashwant steps forward, fury twisting his face. "You fucking whore," he roars. "Put that gun down!"

"Saanvi, run! Take Taffy and go!" Suhana screams at her desperately.

Saanvi stumbles back, her small cries echoing in the silence. "Mumma..."

"Please, baccha, I can't hold on much longer," Suhana cries, tears streaming down her face.

Saanvi closes her eyes, stumbles back, then turns and runs. Taffy follows, barking wildly.

"Run, Saanvi! Don't look back, bachaa!" Suhana's voice cracks as she watches them go. She turns back to the three men, who are now smirking.

"Ah, the great mother," Jayden sneers.

"You're a doctor, right? Sworn to save lives. How can you take a life?" Yashwant mocks, stepping closer.

Suhana grunts, stumbling backward. "I can. And I will, Yashwant. I'll fucking take yours if you touch my daughter."

Roman snorts. "Now I get it. The brat gets her attitude from this bitch."

"A doctor, who's sworn to save lives, is going to take one-" Yashwant was cut off by the gunshot. A bullet pierces his arm and slides through, and he hisses, grabbing the wound. Roman and Jayden stare in disbelief.

Suhana breathes heavily, the gun shaking in her hand. "I won't hesitate to kill a million men if it comes to my daughter."

The pain finally overtakes her. Her knees give out, and as darkness clouds her vision, she collapses to the floor, still gripping the gun.

Yashwant stares down at her with a lazy look. He steps forward and crouches beside her unconscious body, cracking his knuckles as he smirks. For a moment, he looks away like he's bored. Then suddenly, he grabs a fistful of her hair and yanks her head up.

Suhana gasps, her eyes flying open. A sharp slap crashes across her cheek, the sting so brutal it echoes in the quiet. She hisses in pain, her lips parting as blood mixes with her breath.

Yashwant leans in to her face. Her eyes flutter, heavy with exhaustion, but she forces them open. "If you had agreed to sleep with me willingly, none of this would've happened." He jerks her face closer, his grip bruising her jaw. "Now you and your daughter need to die."

Suhana's breathing slows, her chest heaving as tears slip down from the corners of her eyes. "I curse you, Yashwant... May your death be slower. More painful. May you suffer every second you breathe."

He chuckles, shaking his head. "And who's going to make that happen? The law? The police?" He scoffs. "This entire system belongs to me."

"You're right. No law, no police can punish you for what you've done, because what you've done doesn't deserve justice. It deserves something far worse. And if you have the audacity to inflict this kind of hell... someday, someone will have the audacity to drag you into it. One day, someone will crawl out of the dark, just like you did and they'll make sure you choke on every sin you thought you buried."

Yashwant's smile fades. In one swift motion, he pushes her back. She crashes to the floor with a dull thud, a whimper escaping her. Then he kicks her hard in the stomach.

Suhana screams, curling into herself, her hands instinctively clutching her midsection as pain wracks her body.

He straightens up, adjusting his sleeves, and begins to walk away. "Now it's your daughter's turn," he says over his shoulder, smirking. "She is your daughter, seems fair she gets the same treatment."

Suhana's hand shoots out, weak but desperate, and grabs his leg. "Please..." she sobs, "Don't touch her. She's a child. Let her go. Please..."

Yashwant looks down at her with disgust, then kicks her hand away. Her fingers slip off his ankle as he turns and walks off without another word, Roman follows. He leaves the room, the echo of his boots fading into silence.

Only Jayden remains, standing over her while she lies on the floor, broken, weeping, and praying her daughter somehow escapes.

Blood trickles from the corner of her mouth. Her vision blurs, she forces her eyes upward. "Bappa... save my precious..." she breathes, staring up through swollen eyes. "Please... protect her..."

Saanvi runs, her feet pounding against the concrete, breath ragged, sobs caught in her throat. Taffy stays beside her, barking and nudging her forward as if trying to guide her through the chaos.

But her legs give out and she crashes to the ground, scraping her knees, her white rabbit jumpsuit stained with dust and blood. She sits, crying, shoulders shaking uncontrollably. Taffy licks the tears from her cheeks, whining and nudging her as she trembles.

"Taffy..." she whimpers, reaching for her, but her arms barely lift. Her limbs were too heavy too paralyzed from what she's just seen.

"Little rabbit is tired?"

Her head jerks up.

Yashwant stands just a few feet away, Roman trailing beside him. Their shadows fall across her.

Taffy barks sharply, baring his teeth as the men approach. Yashwant steps closer, and as he leans down to grab her, Taffy lunges. Her teeth sink into Yashwant's hand.

Yashwant snarls through gritted teeth. "You filthy mutt-"

Taffy refuses to let go, barking and growling furiously. Roman grabs the dog by the scruff and yanks her away from Saanvi.

"Taffy!" she screams, crying harder, reaching for her but Yashwant's hand clamps around her tiny arm. He yanks her to her feet roughly. She cries out in pain, her legs shaking beneath her.

Yashwant crouches to her level, tilting his head as he studies her tear streak face. "You'll grow into a beautiful woman one day, little rabbit," he murmurs, he touches her face, tracing her cheek, brushing under her chin with the back of his fingers. "Should I do to you what I did to your mother?"

Saanvi's body begins to tremble uncontrollably. Her knees buckle but he holds her in place. "M-Mumma... help..."

Roman chuckles behind them. "Your mumma can't help you. She needs help more than you do."

"You have to die," Yashwant says. "Both of you." His eyes rake over her. "But before that..."

He reaches for the zipper of her jumpsuit. Saanvi tries to push him away, but her small hands are no match. He grabs her wrists, holding them tightly in one hand. She squirms, screaming and crying, trying to break free.

"Shh. Don't worry," he whispers. "It'll only hurt a little, baby. Come on now-"

"Yashwant," Roman interrupts, "Don't. She's just a kid."

"That never stopped me before." He chuckles. "That bastard Anubhav will drown in guilt when he finds out. I'll make sure of it."

His fingers move to her clothes.

But his phone rings, he groans annoyed, and pulls it out with one hand, still holding her tightly with the other.

"What?" he snaps, seeing Jayden's name on the screen.

Saanvi keeps crying, her wide eyes scanning the road, looking for anything anyone, she can barely hear the voice on the other end. Her ears are ringing. The sound is distant, like it's underwater.

Yashwant's expression changes.

"Shit," he mutters. "Leave her. Head out the back. Now. I'll take the other route. Go. And send...."

She hears a name to remember, forever.

He hangs up and looks at Saanvi again. Her face is pale. She's not crying anymore just staring, stunned, lost.

"Little rabbit," he says and she forces her eyes to meet his.

"I think God wants to save you today," he mutters with a twisted smile on his face. "But don't get too happy. I'll ruin your father's life, I'll turn it into hell. And you?" He raises a brow. "You'll end up just like your mother. So keep your mouth shut."

He lets go of her. She drops to the ground like a broken doll, her body too drained to hold itself up.

"I'll come back for you, little rabbit. No matter what." he says, straightening his shirt. "And next time, I won't stop."

He walks off toward the back of the factory. Roman throws Taffy hard to the side, then follows him.

Saanvi sits on the rough concrete road, her tiny frame trembling with sobs. Dust clings to her rabbit printed jumpsuit, her scraped knees stinging with every breath. Her cries are soft but relentless, each one like a small echo against the stillness around her.

Taffy runs toward her, skidding to a stop beside her, nudging her with her snout. Soon, Saanvi senses someone is near.

Her head lifts slowly, almost afraid to look. A man stands a few steps away, tall, composed, eyes sharp and green. Silas Wilson. He doesn't speak right away. He simply watches her, and his presence alone is enough to make her chest tighten with fear.

"M-Mumma," she mutters, voice cracked and uncertain,

"Breathe, I'm not here to hurt you," Silas mutters. He takes a cautious step forward.

She flinches. Taffy instantly barks, loud and protective, stepping in front of her with bristled fur.

Silas lowers himself into a crouch, careful not to startle them further. His tone stays calm.

"Where are your parents?"

"M-Mumma... she... hurt..." Saanvi whimpers, as she curls further into Taffy's side, burying her face in the warmth of the dog's fur.

He doesn't press. His eyes flick to the empty road, and he gestures with one hand.

"Did you see anyone run that way?"

She doesn't respond. She can't. Her body is frozen in place, her voice locked inside her.

Silas exhales slowly, dragging a hand through his hair in frustration. His phone vibrates against his thigh. He pulls it out and flips it open with an irritated flick of his wrist.

"Did you find him?" a voice barks in his ear.

"No, I think he ran. I-"

"Then why the fuck are you still there, Silas?"

"For fuck's sake, learn to listen for once!" His fingers curl tighter around the phone. His gaze drops back to the girl curled on the road. "There's a kid, alone, covered in dirt and blood. Crying for her mother."

"And? You're playing hero now?"

"Send Zyren to my location. Now."

"Fine." The line cuts.

He pockets the phone and leans forward. "No one's going to hurt you anymore. Someone's coming. He'll take you home."

Saanvi sniffles, her small arms locked around Taffy like an anchor.

Silas watches her for a moment longer, then stands up slowly and turns away. His boots crunch lightly on the road as he walks.

"Taffy... M-Mumma..."

Minutes later, another car pulls up near the empty stretch of road. The door clicks open, and a man steps out a young face framed by sharp blue eyes and a quiet kind of authority. Lorenzo. He scans the area and catches sight of the little girl huddled on the ground, clutching her dog.

Clicking his tongue, he walks forward. "Hey, little baby..."

Taffy immediately reacts, barking loudly and lunging protectively toward him. Lorenzo halts mid step, palms raised slightly. "Whoa, calm down. I'm here to help," he says, scoffing gently.

Then his eyes land on Saanvi. He notices the bruises, the blood, the raw patches on her knees and arms.

His expression shifts instantly. He pulls out his phone and dials emergency services as he gives the location. Once done, he slides the phone back into his pocket and folds his arms, casting her a sideways glance.

"Don't worry. Ambulance is coming," he says simply.

Saanvi's tear streaked face lifts toward him. "Mumma... she's hurt... help, please."

He frowns, scanning their surroundings. "Where?" he asks, taking a small step forward.

Taffy barks again, stopping him. This time, he crouches and extends a hand, letting her sniff it. "Calm down, I won't hurt her," he murmurs, gently patting the dog's head once she eases.

He looks back at Saanvi. "Where's your mother?"

Saanvi hiccups and glances behind her, pointing shakily at the abandoned factory. His eyes follow her finger.

"Come," he says softly, reaching his hand toward her. She stares at it, then at him, her swollen eyes full of uncertainty.

He notices the hesitation. "I won't hurt you. I promise. I have a son your age, would you like to meet him? I think you two would get along." he says, speaking gently, trying to distract her and holds out his palm again, patient, giving her space to choose.

Tears cloud her vision, but slowly, carefully, she places her trembling hand in his. He wraps his fingers gently around hers and helps her to her feet, but her legs give way. Without a word, he catches her in his arms, lifting her carefully. He brushes the dust from her hair and adjusts her clothing.

"There?" he asks, nodding toward the factory. She nods.

He walks toward it, Saanvi resting against his chest. Taffy follows close behind.

Lorenzo steps over debris until his eyes lock onto the body on the floor. His breath catches for a moment, Suhana lies motionless, her face pale, body covered in bruises, her clothes soaked with dried blood and grime.

"Mumma!" Saanvi's cry breaks through the silence. He lowers her gently beside her mother and crouches next to Suhana.

He taps her cheek lightly. "Excuse me?" he calls, but she doesn't stir. He reaches for her wrist and finds her pulse slow but there.

"Mumma, wake up!" Saanvi sobs, her tiny hands gripping Suhana's arm. Taffy sits beside them, whining.

"What happened here?" Lorenzo asks, glancing around, but Saanvi was too lost in tears to speak.

Then Suhana's eyelids flutter. "My precious..." she whispers.

Lorenzo leans in. "Your daughter is okay. Don't worry. The ambulance is on the way."

"Please... save my daughter..." Suhana mutters.

His phone buzzes again. He answers quickly, guiding the paramedics toward the factory with crisp instructions. Once the call ends, he gently lifts Suhana into his arms.

He turns to Saanvi. "Follow me, baby."

Saanvi sniffles and rises slowly, holding Taffy's fur as she walks. The dog stays by her side.

Outside, the ambulance screeches to a stop near the road. Two medics rush out with a stretcher. Lorenzo places Suhana on it and steps back as they begin checking her vitals and prepping her for transport.

He turns and sees the car present there on the road with the door open, then he sees Saanvi standing silently, looking up at him with wide, red rimmed eyes.

He crouches to her level and meets her gaze. "You're really strong, little baby. Don't worry. Your mumma's going to be okay." He smiles and gently pats her head.

Behind them, the medics continue working. He glances at the open ambulance doors, then back at Saanvi. "You're cute, little baby. And this dog-" he strokes Taffy behind the ears "-she's brave too." He stands up, brushing dust from his jacket. "Go take care of your mother, hmm?"

Saanvi nods, wiping her face with the sleeve of her jumpsuit.

"And hey," he adds with a soft chuckle, "if we ever meet again, I'll introduce you to my son. He's cute too just like you. You might even like him."

"We're leaving," one of the medics calls.

Lorenzo nods. "Take them too. They're with her. And treat the kid gently. She's scared."

The staff nod. He bends one last time and gathers Saanvi in his arms. She clings to him weakly.

He presses a soft kiss to her forehead. "Goodbye, strong baby."

He hands her over to the medic, who lifts her into the ambulance. Taffy hops in beside her.

Lorenzo steps back and watches as the doors close. The siren doesn't wail yet, but the tires roll into motion.

At the hospital

"Saanvi!"

Her head snaps toward the corridor at the sound of her name. She sees Anubhav, Vikram, and Pranay hurrying toward her. Her eyes fill instantly. She stumbles off the seat and runs straight into her father's arms. Anubhav drops to his knees, catching her tightly.

"My precious... are you okay?" he whispers, rubbing her back with trembling hands. He pulls away just enough to see her face and then he notices the bandages. His chest tightens and tears prick at the corners of his eyes.

"Papa... Mumma..." she cries out.

He wipes her cheeks gently. "It's okay, baby. You're safe now. Don't cry," he murmurs, forcing calm into his voice for her sake. He looks at Pranay and gives him a silent nod.

"I'll be right back, sweetheart. Stay with Chachaji for a bit, okay?" Anubhav presses a kiss to her forehead, then rises and walks briskly toward the ward.

Pranay lifts Saanvi into his arms and holds her close, his palm running gently along her back.

"Chachaji... Mumma... she's hurt. They hurt her..." she chokes out between sobs.

Pranay's eyes blur. He hugs her tighter. Beside him, Vikram stands quietly, staring at the ward door. Pranay reaches out and pulls him into the embrace too, wrapping both children in his arms as the hallway falls silent around them.

Anubhav steps into the hospital ward, and the sight before him stops him. Suhana lies motionless on the bed. Her face is swollen, marred with dark bruises. One arm rests limp at her side, bandaged and still. The color has drained from her skin. For a moment, he doesn't recognize her.

A sharp gasp escapes his lips. His hands lift instinctively to cover his mouth, his chest tight with disbelief. His eyes blur with tears.

"You are?" The voice draws him back. He turns to find the doctor standing a few feet away, clipboard in hand.

His voice comes out hoarse. "I'm her husband... Anubhav Malhotra."

The doctor takes a beat, then speaks softly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Malhotra. She doesn't have much time."

Anubhav stares blankly at him. "What?" he whispers. His pulse quickens. He shakes his head, glancing back at Suhana's fragile body. "No-no, please... there must be something you can do. I'll pay whatever you need. Just save her... please save my wife." Tears spill freely down his cheeks.

The doctor places a steady hand on his shoulder. "It's not about the money, it's her condition. She... was raped, brutally sexually assaulted. It was very brutal, Mr. Malhotra. Her internal injuries are severe there's extensive damage. She's lost a lot of blood. We've done everything we could."

The world tilts under Anubhav's feet. He staggers a step back, his body trembling. His knees give out, and he sinks slowly to the floor, his face pale, drenched in sweat. He feels like the air's been knocked from his lungs.

"She's not going to make it through the night," the doctor adds quietly. He gives his shoulder one last firm squeeze before walking away.

Anubhav remains on his knees, eyes locked on Suhana. His lips tremble and tears stream in silence.

"Anubhav..."

Her voice pulls him upright. He scrambles to his feet and rushes to the bedside.

"Suhana..." he chokes, collapsing into the chair and grabbing her hand carefully, like it might break. He presses it to his lips, sobbing into her skin. "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry..."

Her eyelids flutter, barely open. "Anubhav..."

He leans in closer. "Tell me who did this."

She stares at him, her eyes shining with pain. "Yashwant..."

The name hangs in the air. "Yashwant?" he echoes.

"There were three of them," she whispers, a fresh wave of tears slipping from her eyes. "They... they all-" Her voice breaks, and she turns her face away.

Anubhav's jaw clenches as tears fall from his eyes. He wraps his arms around her gently, shielding what little is left of her from the world. His tears fall freely, soaking into her hair.

"I swear, I will destroy them. One by one. They'll never see daylight again."

She breathes out slowly, "Anubhav... Saanvi..."

"She's safe," he says quickly, brushing the hair from her damp forehead. "She's alright. She's waiting outside."

She exhales a shaky breath. Her fingers tighten ever so slightly in his grasp clinging to whatever she can, for as long as she can.

"Call her... and Vikram," She whispers, "I want to talk to them."

Anubhav wipes the tears from his cheeks and leans down, brushing Suhana's hair gently from her forehead. "I'll call them," he whispers.

Moments later, the door opens. Saanvi and Vikram steps in. Both children walk in slowly, their eyes red, their small faces pale with confusion and dread.

Suhana's gaze softens as it lands on them. Her breathing is shallow, labored, every breath pulled with effort. She blinks, forcing a smile through the agony.

Vikram comes to stand beside Anubhav. Saanvi hurries forward, stopping just by the bed. Her little hands tremble at her sides.

"Mumma... you're hurt,"

Suhana swallows and presses her lips together, fighting the instinct to cry. "Are you okay?"

Saanvi nods, wiping her tears on the sleeve. Anubhav helps her climb onto the edge of the bed. Suhana's fingers, cold and shaking, reach out and hold her daughter's hand.

She takes a slow breath. "Listen to me, my precious. Mumma... is going to meet Bappa soon," Anubhav turns his face away, his chest rattling with silent sobs.

Saanvi's brows pull together. "No," she murmurs, shaking her head in confusion.

Suhana squeezes her hand gently, forcing her words out. "There will be a time... very soon... when you won't see me around."

Saanvi stares at her, confused. "Why?"

Suhana's tears fall, but she doesn't blink them away. "Because my time is ending, my love. You're going to grow up without me."

Saanvi bites her trembling lip, her tears falling faster now. Her small chest heaves as she tries to make sense of it all.

"I wanted so badly to stay with you, to braid your hair and watch you grow... to hold your hand through every step of your life but I have to go." She chokes. "Because sometimes, life doesn't wait. And when it's time... we don't get to say no."

Tears spill down Saanvi's face. She doesn't understand all of it, but something inside her begins to ache in a way she's never known. Suhana cups her daughter's cheek, thumb brushing the tears.

"You'll find your prince one day, not the perfect one, but the one who chooses you every day someone who loves you just the way you are. You'll build a family, create your own world... and I'll be watching from somewhere, I promise." Tears roll down her face, pooling on the pillow beneath her. “And always remember, it's not your fault beta.”

Saanvi sits frozen, the words hanging in the space between then. Half of it she doesn't understand, the other half she doesn't want to.

Suhana smiles through her tears.

"If you ever miss me... just put your hand here." She presses her hand to Saanvi's chest, just above her heart. "Close your eyes. I'll be right there, in every breath you take." Her lips tremble as her voice lowers even further, almost a whisper carried on her last ounce of strength.

"Promise me, you'll live. Not just survive. You'll live fully, bravely... for yourself. If you want to see me again... live, baby. And I'll live in you."

Saanvi's bottom lip trembles. Her vision blurs again as she nods, barely getting the words out. "I promise,"

Suhana smiles through the pain. She then turns her eyes to Vikram and lifts a weak hand to gesture him closer. Vikram steps forward, biting his inner cheek to stop the tears, but they fall anyway. "Don't forget your dream, Vikram," she says. "You'll be the best footballer one day, I know. Just don't stop playing. Don't stop believing in yourself."

He lets out a small, broken cry. "Mom... please don't go."

Suhana places her palm on his cheek, her thumb brushing away his tears. "Take care of yourself. And look after your sister. You're her shield now, Vikram. Can you do that for me?"

Vikram nods, his lips trembling. "I love you, Mom," he chokes out, leaning in to hug her.

Suhana closes her eyes, holding him tightly, her fingers brushing gently over his back. "I love you too, my brave boy. You're everything I ever wanted in a son."

"Now... both of you... you need to rest. Go sleep for a while."

Saanvi gets off the bed reluctantly, her hand still clinging to Suhana's. Vikram steps back, wiping his face with the sleeve of his hoodie.

"Mumma? Are you going to sleep too?" Saanvi asks softly.

Anubhav swallows the knot in his throat. Suhana nods with a gentle smile. "Yes, my precious. I'm going to sleep too."

Saanvi leans forward and kisses her mother's cheek. "Then I'll see you tomorrow, Mumma. I'll ask Bappa to make you feel better."

Suhana's hand lifts and caresses her daughter's face one last time. "We'll meet tomorrow, my precious," she whispers.

Vikram takes Saanvi's hand, ready to leave. But just before walking out, he turns back. He looks at his mother for one final time, eyes burning with tears, as if trying to memorize every line of her face. Then he turns away and walks on.

Knowing deep down that there will be a tomorrow... but in that tomorrow, she won't be there.

✿✿✿✿✿

Anubhav stands motionless as the coffin slides slowly into the cremation chamber. The metallic tray clanks into place, and with a quiet finality, the door closes. His fingers twitch at his sides. A part of him wants to scream, to rush forward, to pull it back just for one more second, just one more touch, just one more goodbye.

The flames flicker behind the small glass window. His chest caves with each breath. Tears stream down his face as he stares at the fire that's taking her away. His Suhana.

"Mumma!" The shrill voice cuts through the silence, Saanvi rushes in, face streaked with tears, her sobs cracking the air. "She was in the box, Papa! Mumma's inside!"

Before anyone can stop her, she bolts forward, eyes locked on the glowing chamber. Anubhav turns instantly, stepping in front of her. He gathers her into his arms, holding her tightly as she kicks and cries.

"No! Papa, she'll get hurt! There's fire!" she screams, her voice cracks in agony. She tries to wriggle free, screaming, crying, gasping for air, pounding her tiny fists against his chest. "Help her! Please don't burn my mumma!"

His knees almost give out. He presses her face into his chest, shielding her eyes from the unbearable sight. His own face crumbles, broken. His cries tear out, raw and loud, as he rocks her in his arms.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." he whispers into her hair, over and over again.

Saanvi clutches his shirt, sobbing harder. "You're so bad, Papa... how could you hurt her?" Her voice cracks. "You let the fire hurt Mumma..." Anubhav shuts his eyes tight, the words cutting deeper than the flames ever could. His arms tighten around her as he shakes with grief.

Beside them, Pranay turns away, wiping his eyes, his throat too tight to speak. Still, he reaches out and gently strokes Saanvi's head.

✿✿✿✿✿

Anubhav sits motionless on the floor, his back leaning heavily against the bed as though even the act of sitting upright has become a burden. His eyes bloodshot, the skin beneath them darkened and swollen from days of sleepless grief. Tears keep falling. In his trembling hands, he clutches a photo frame, its glass smudged with fingerprints.

Suhana's face smiles back at him from behind the glass. But that smile isn't comforting it's a cruel reminder of everything he has lost.

He stares at the image with hollow eyes, his face sunken with exhaustion. One week. It's only been one week, but it feels like a lifetime has been torn out of him. A week of running to every police station, knocking on every legal door he could find, begging pleading for justice. But no one listened. Or rather, no one wanted to.

The newspapers wrote it off as a car crash. A tragic accident: mother dies on the spot, child injured, hospital confirms death by excessive blood loss. That's what the headlines screamed. Not one word about what really happened. Not one word about the brutality, the violation, the truth.

He knows why.

Because men like Yashwant don't face consequences. They erase them. With money. With influence. With well timed phone calls and paper trails that vanish before they can stain a record.

Even the hospital the one that saw her bruised body, the terror in her fading eyes. The doctors changed the reports. The police refused to file an FIR. The system, the one that's supposed to protect the innocent, closed its eyes.

Anubhav lowers the frame and places it gently on the floor beside him. A broken breath escapes him, and his shoulders cave forward. The fight has drained him. The injustice is suffocating. And through all of it, he has had to look into the eyes of his children watch them search for their mother, not understanding why she hasn't come home.

He doesn't know how to tell them.

His gaze lifts, slowly, to the small table across the room. On it sits a fruit basket left untouched. And beside it, a knife. A sob escapes his throat involuntarily. His hands, shaky and unsure, reach for it. His fingers wrap around the handle and lift it carefully and brings it closer, stares at the blade.

"One of us has to live, Anubhav."

"I'm sorry... I can't," he whispers. His eyes blur with fresh tears as he presses the knife against his wrist. The cold metal sends a shiver up his arm.

He closes his eyes and in his mind, she's still there, "Suhana..."

"Dad! Saanvi!"

His eyes snap open. He yanks the knife back, heart thudding violently in his chest. He turns his head and finds Vikram standing in the doorway with wide eyes

Anubhav quickly wipes his tears with the back of his hand, trying to steady his trembling breath. "Yes, Vikram?"

Vikram doesn't respond right away. His gaze drops to Anubhav's hand the one he's trying too hard to hide.

"Saanvi..." Vikram swallows. "She's crying again."

Anubhav doesn't waste a second. He shoves the knife under the bed with shaking fingers, stands up abruptly, and rushes past him. Vikram stands still for a moment, eyes lingering on the spot where the knife disappeared. His throat tightens at what he just witnessed but didn't say aloud, he just follows.

In the dim light of the children's room, Anubhav finds Saanvi curled on the bed, her small frame trembling, her face pressed into a damp pillow. He sits beside her and pulls her gently into his arms.

"Baby... open your eyes," he murmurs, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Papa's here. Bhai is here too, right beside us."

Saanvi's eyelids flutter. Her tear-filled amber eyes meet his, "Mumma..."

Anubhav swallows the lump in his throat and presses his lips to her forehead. "She's... here too," he whispers. "With us. Always."

Saanvi slowly lifts her small hand and places it on her chest. "Saanvi sniffs, her chest rising and falling unevenly. "She said... if I put my hand on my heart, I'd feel her. But I keep trying, Papa... and I still can't feel her. Not once. Why can't I feel her? I wanted to feel her."

Her innocence cracks something inside him. A sob escapes before he can stop it. He pulls her tightly into his chest and wraps his arms around her, his own tears soaking into her hair.

Vikram stands at the corner of the room, silently. His vision blurs, but he doesn't let the tears fall. He stares blankly ahead.

Saanvi clutches onto her father's shirt, her face buried into his chest. "I called her today, Papa, just in case she'd surprise me... just come back... like before. But she didn't."

Anubhav closes his eyes, his arms tightening around her.

"I even asked Bappa," she continues, "I prayed... I begged him to return her. But he didn't listen. He took her away. He snatched my Mumma. I hate him now... I hate him." Her tiny fists clutch his shirt tighter, as her sobs rise uncontrollably.

Anubhav runs a soothing hand down her back, but his own chest burns. He feels the familiar sharp pull, like something inside is tearing apart all over again. He swallows hard, his jaw tightening to stop the tremble. His breathing turns ragged.

"Will she never come back?" Saanvi asks softly. Anubhav lowers his head and rests his chin gently on her crown. He wants to answer, to promise something, anything but the words die in his throat. He looks up, eyes searching the room until they find Vikram.

"I'm fine, Dad," Vikram says quickly, sensing the question before it's asked. He's trying to be strong, for everyone. "Don't worry about me." He just doesn't want to be another burden on his father's shoulders. Not now, not when he just witnessed his father with the knife pressed against his skin, not when he watched the man crumble every night, only to gather himself back up for them in the morning.

But Anubhav sees right through it. He opens his arm, reaching toward him, "Come here."

Vikram hesitates for only a second before the dam breaks. He steps forward, his face twisting, and throws his arms around his father. "I miss Mom so much," he chokes out. "So much, Dad."

Anubhav wraps them both in his embrace one arm around Vikram, the other still holding Saanvi. His own tears spill quietly down his cheeks as he presses their heads close.

"Don't leave us, Dad," Vikram mumbles into his shoulder, "Please..."

"I won't," Anubhav replies softly, shaking his head. "I would never leave you. Never."

Eventually, when their cries fade into hiccups and sniffles, Anubhav gently lays them down, pulling the comforter over both. He brushes a soft kiss to their foreheads one by one then steps back and watches them. They're asleep now, curled close to each other. He exhales slowly.

I can't die. I can't abandon my children.

The thought drums inside his head. He wipes the wetness from his face and steps quietly out of the room. The door clicks shut behind him. As he walks through the dim hallway, his phone buzzes in his pocket. He pulls it out. An unknown number flashes on the screen. He accepts the call and presses the phone to his ear.

"Still repeating the same mistake, Anubhav?"

Anubhav's eyes close for a second as a wave of fury rises in his chest. His free hand curls into a fist by his side.

"You filed another complaint against me? Do you really want your daughter to end up like your wife?"

"Shut your fucking mouth, Yashwant!" he roars, "Don't you dare mention my children. You disgusting bastard. What do you think I'll back off? That I'll forget everything you did? I will drag you into court. I'll burn every connection you have to the ground. Don't even think about threatening me because not even God will be able to protect you."

A low chuckle filters through the line. "Not God, Anubhav. But maybe your daughter will."

Anubhav's entire body tenses. His grip tightens around the phone, knuckles white. "What the hell are you saying-?"

"You know... your sweet Saanvi was at the park today. Holding her brother's hand. She kept staring at another little girl with her mother. You could tell she missed Suhana. Poor thing."

A bead of sweat forms at Anubhav's temple. "You're stalking them?" he breathes out, horrified.

"Oh yes, you never know when that little girl might become the next Suhana. And your wife, Anubhav... god, she felt so good. She cried and screamed, said 'please... stop... don't... it hurts...' I told her to be quiet. Told her no one was coming. And then I passed her around like the used up bitch she was."

Anubhav's eyes slam shut. His throat tightens as bile rises. Tears blur his vision, his mind filled with flashes of what Suhana might have gone through. What she must have suffered. The way she must've screamed, looked for help, all alone and helpless.

"Well... you could just ask your daughter. We didn't even stop when she begged us. She was right there, watching it all. Crying, pleading with us to stop hurting her mother. Screaming. And I must say... the only reason that little girl was spared... is because we ran out of time. She was going to be next-"

"Shut the fuck up!" Anubhav explodes, the scream ripping from his throat as his entire body shakes. He stumbles back, his hand clutching at his chest as a sharp, stabbing pain shoots through it, tears stream down his face uncontrollably. Not just from grief now from rage, from helplessness, from guilt. He wants to kill him. He wants to rip Yashwant apart with his bare hands.

Because no man, no father should ever hear those words about his wife and daughter.

"Does it hurt to hear that? Good. Then listen carefully. If you keep pushing, your daughter's next. Use your brain, Anubhav. Stop this war, and I swear, your daughter stays safe."

"You sick bastard," he growls, his voice hoarse with rage. "Shut the fuck up! I'm here to protect my children," he snarls, each word punched through clenched teeth. "And listen to me carefully, this time, you think I'm afraid of you? You think threatening my daughter will make me stop? I'll fucking drag you through every goddamn courtroom in this country. You won't just pay, you'll rot." Yashwant laughs mockingly on the other end, but Anubhav doesn't let him speak.

"You talk about Suhana like that again, I swear on her ashes, I'll kill you with my bare hands, I don't care if I have to rot behind bars. My children will know their father didn't stand down. I'll burn everything down. But my wife will get justice. No matter what." He ends the call without another word, his thumb slamming the screen. In one sudden motion, he hurls the phone onto the couch. His chest heaves, breath caught in his throat. His hand clutches the fabric over his heart as pain shoots through his ribs. He stumbles a step back, pressing himself to the wall for balance.

You'll pay for everything. For what you did to her. For what you almost did to my daughter. I swear to god, you'll pay.

But even as the call ends, Yashwant's words keep echoing in Anubhav's head.

"You know Saanvi was in the park today..."

"Who knows when your daughter becomes the next..."

He quickly pulls out his phone. He dials and lifts it to his ear.

"Pranay, I'm moving back to India with Saanvi and Vikram. Prepare that house."

✿✿✿✿✿

One Month Later | India

"Uncle, how much longer?" Saanvi asks from the backseat, tapping her foot impatiently against the leather.

The driver exhales heavily and glances back at her. "It's traffic, Saanvi. We can't just fly over it, can we?" He gestures halfheartedly to the sea of cars ahead and leans back into his seat. His head tilts to the side, eyes fluttering shut.

Saanvi groans and rolls her eyes. "Ugh, this uniform's gross," she mutters, scrunching her nose, tugging at her collar in disgust. "The ones in California were better." She huffs, flipping her neatly tied twin ponytails over her shoulders and swinging her legs on the seat.

"I'm hungry," she says aloud, expecting a response but there's none.

Frowning, she leans forward and finds the driver dozing, head slumped back, lips slightly parted.

"Unbelievable," She frowns "I'm telling Papa about this," she murmurs with a scowl.

Her stomach growls loudly. Her eyes drift outside the window. Across the road, a small café glows warmly against the dusty backdrop. Through the glass, she spots a waitress setting down a plate of cheesecake in front of a customer. Her eyes light up.

She glances at the driver again, still asleep. Then at the traffic, still stuck.

"I've got time," she mumbles and quietly unlocks the door. The moment her feet hit the pavement, the heat of the afternoon sun greets her. "This country is gross too," she mutters under her breath, her school shoes make soft taps as she crosses the road, weaving through the idle cars.

The café door creaks open with a light chime. Cool air and the rich scent of baked sugar wash over her, her eyes lock onto the cheesecake. She walks up to the table like it's calling her name and pulls out the velvet chair without asking. She sits down, eyes fixed on the cake, she licks her lips slowly, swallowing hard.

"Staring like that is rude,"

She blinks and looks up. Sitting across from her is a boy, around her age. He has soft brown hair falling over his forehead, a tiny mole under one of his large sepia eyes. She just... stares and for a long moment with stunned wide eyes, everything else disappears, even cheesecakes.

Then, snapping out of it, she walks around the table and plops down beside him.

The boy shifts away, wrapping his arms around the plate protectively. "M-Move over," He gulps, as if unsure whether he's being rude or brave. "This is mine." his eyes flick toward the café door like he's wondering if there's someone who can rescue him.

"You're so cute," Saanvi blurts out, tilting her head as she studies him.

His cheeks turn red, and he looks down. "T-Thank you," he mumbles, trying to hide his flustered face.

"Relax, I'm not a thief." she shrugs.

He picks up his spoon, about to take a bite only to feel her gaze again. He sighs and looks at her.

"Can you please stop staring?"

"I want that too," she says, pointing at his cheesecake.

"Then go buy your own," he replies, nodding toward the counter.

She shakes her head. "I don't have money."

He looks horrified. "I thought you said you weren't a thief,"

She frowns. "Can't you just share?"

His thin fingers slide protectively around his plate. "But... but it's mine,"

Her eyes narrow. "Share it... or I'll eat you."

The boy gasps in horror. "W-What?!"

She crosses her arms. "You heard me."

Panicking, he grabs an extra plate and slices the cake into two pieces one big, one small. Just as he was about to hand it over, Saanvi snatches the bigger slice, swipes the spoon from his hand, and begins eating like she owns it.

"H-Hey!" he protests, raising his voice just a little. "You... you can't just take that!"

"Shut up and eat yours before I take that too," she says coolly, savoring the bite.

He closes his mouth, lowers his head, and starts eating silently beside her.

She finishes her bite, licks her spoon, and glances at him. "What's your name?"

"We're not supposed to tell our names to strangers," he replies, his cheeks puffed with cheesecake.

"You shouldn't be sitting alone either. What if I was a kidnapper?"

"I'm lost," he admits.

She pauses, the spoon halfway to her mouth. "You're lost?" Her eyes widen. "Then why are you just sitting here stuffing your face? Shouldn't you be looking for your parents?"

He looks at her with innocent eyes. "Because my mom says if I ever get lost, I should stay in one place. That way, they'll find me faster. If I start wandering, it'll just make things harder."

Saanvi stays quiet, nibbling the last of her cake.

"You should at least say thank you, I shared my cake with you." he mutters, even though they both know he didn't have a choice.

Her eyes narrow. "Shared? You offered a crumb after I threatened you."

He shrinks back a little, clutching his spoon like a shield. "I-I'm just saying. You took the big piece." She says nothing, just keeps that glare.

He swallows hard. "I'm gonna tell my mom you bullied me... and stole my cheesecake. She'll complain to your mom. Just wait."

At the mention of "mom," Saanvi's smile fades. That playful defiance vanishes. Her arms uncross slowly, and she turns her face away. She presses her lips together, trying to keep them from trembling. "You can't,"

"What?"

"You can't tell my mom. She's not here. She left. One month ago."

The boy falls silent. His mouth opens, then closes again. "Oh, I... I didn't know. I'm sorry."

She doesn't respond. Her fingers pick at a thread on the hem of her school skirt.

He fidgets nervously, unsure of what to do with his hands. "My mom's really nice, you can... call her mum if you want. She won't mind. She makes hot chocolate and hugs tight, and she sings while cooking. You'd like her."

Saanvi still stays quiet, "Are you... are you sad?" he asks,

She nods slowly, he shifts in his seat, hesitant, then leans forward slightly. "Can I... can I touch you?"

Saanvi blinks and finally looks at him.

"I mean, like-I promise I won't hurt you. I just... wanna help." he says quickly.

She looks at him and sees the way his fingers are shaking just slightly on his lap, his brows furrowed like he's scared she'll say no.

She gives a slow nod. He scoots closer, carefully, like approaching a frightened kitten. Gently, he extends a single finger and lightly taps the back of her hand resting on her leg. When she doesn't pull away, he gathers the courage to lean in and wrap his arms around her.

It's a small, shy hug, a little clumsy, but warm. Saanvi freezes for a second, caught off guard by how soft he smells and feels, like vanilla lotion and warm baby cream. Her eyes close, her lashes fluttering. She breathes in deep.

"It's okay," he whispers against her shoulder. "Don't be sad. Everything will be alright."

Then he pulls back, his cheeks flushed, brushing his hair from his forehead nervously. "I'm not really good at hugs,"

A giggle escapes her lips as she tilts her head. "I decided."

He blinks, "Decided what?"

She sits a little straighter, "My mumma used to say... that one day, I'll meet my prince. He'll be really cute, gentle, and kind. Someone who understands me, and I found him."

He smiles. "Really? Who is he?"

"You," she says pointing right at him.

The smile drops off his face. His eyes widen like saucers. "Me?" he croaks, pointing to his own chest.

She nods. "You're handsome like Prince Charming from Cinderella. You hugged me. You gave me cake-sort of. That's enough."

He frowns, flustered. "I didn't give you the cake. You stole the big piece. You're a cheesecake thief."

"Shut up," she says, rolling her eyes with a huff. "You're still my prince. And I've made up my mind, I'm going to marry you."

He nearly chokes, his spoon nearly drops from his hand. "No!" he blurts, horrified. "I'm not marrying you! You're scary. You'll boss me around, bully me and probably make me give you cake every day!"

She leans forward, narrowing her eyes. "I will marry you."

He scoots back on the seat, trying to create space, placing a shaky finger on her forehead to push her away gently. "We're kids! We're not supposed to talk about marriage. We have to grow up, study, get jobs, make money-"

His words come to a sudden stop as she leans in and presses a quick, soft kiss to his lips.

He freezes and she leans back, smiling with pride. "That's a thank-you for sharing."

He just stares at her, utterly still. His fingers slowly rise to touch his lips, his face turning bright red. "D-Did you just... kiss me?" he asks with wide eyes.

She nods, not at all embarrassed.

"That... that was my first kiss," he whispers, clearly distressed. "I was saving it for my future wife! You stole it. You stole my cheesecake and my first kiss!"

Saanvi grins. "One day, I'll steal your heart too."

"Never," he says quickly, scooting farther on the velvet seat like distance will keep him safe. "You're scary. And mean. And you shouldn't have done that. It's wrong, okay? We're just kids, and... and kids aren't supposed to kiss."

She blinks at him, then sighs dramatically, like she's being lectured in math class. "Yeah, yeah," she mumbles, kicking her dangling legs under the table.

Before either of them can say another word, a loud commotion echoes outside followed by shouting and a distant horn. Both children flinch and turn toward the window. A small crowd begins to gather near the street, and above it, a dark plume of smoke curls into the sky.

Saanvi hops off the chair in one smooth bounce. She dusts her skirt, "I should go," she says, glancing toward the road.

"You're going alone?" the boy asks, concerned.

She shakes her head. "My driver uncle's outside. He's probably still asleep though." She starts toward the exit but just before reaching it, she pauses and turns back. Her expression softens.

"Bye, cute prince," she says, offering a crooked smile then turns around and skips toward the door, her ponytails bouncing behind her, the hem of her school skirt swaying with each small hop.

He watches her small figure skip toward the exit. He leans slightly to see her better through the window.

"Bye... cheesecake thief," he murmurs and slouches back into the chair, cheeks still flushed, a soft smile blooming on his face.

"...She's cute," His fingertips absentmindedly brush his lips again where she kissed him.

"Rudra!"

His head jerks up, through the glass, he spots his mother rushing in, his father just behind her.

"Mom!" He jumps off the chair and bolts into her arms. She drops to her knees and wraps him tightly, pressing her face into his shoulder like she never wants to let go.

"Adrika, let him breathe-" his father starts, but one sharp glare from her shuts him up.

"...Okay. Sorry."

She pulls back slightly, checking him from head to toe, her hands brushing through his hair, cupping his face. "You're not hurt, right? Nothing happened?"

Rudra shakes his head, smiling. "I'm fine, Mom. I was here the whole time. Why are you freaking out so much?"

"Because there was a car blast, just outside," Abhiraj says, glancing toward the street, where a crowd has started to gather.

Rudra's smile fades. His eyes dart to the window. "That thief... will she be okay?" he murmurs, a worried frown creasing his brows.

"Thief?" Abhiraj raises an eyebrow.

"She stole my cheesecake," Rudra mutters, then adds with a touch of horror, "and she said she'd marry me... because I look like a prince."

Adrika lets out a soft laugh. "Well, she's not wrong you do look like a little prince." She pinches his cheeks.

Rudra scowls. "Mooom," he whines softly, swatting her hand away.

Abhiraj crosses his arms, frowning. "What kind of girl says that to a boy she just met? Snatching cake and talking about marriage? What a weird kid."

"Oh, stop it, Abhi," Adrika rolls her eyes and stands up, scooping Rudra into her arms. "I think she sounds adorable and bold."

"She's weird. And scary." he mumbles, burying his face in her shoulder.

Adrika grins, rocking him gently. "Well, if she ever shows up again, I don't mind. You have my permission to marry her someday."

Rudra jerks back in her arms, eyes wide in horror. "No way!"

Abhiraj steps forward quickly. "Absolutely not! My son is not marrying some bossy little cheesecake thief."

"Thank you, Dad," Rudra says, letting out a sigh of relief. "I'd rather stay single forever."

Adrika tries to hold in her laughter. "Poor girl. Already rejected."

"I didn't reject her," Rudra says with a sulk. "I just... didn't agree."

But even as he leans into his mom again, arms around her neck, his eyes drift back to the café door.

He hopes she didn't get caught in that blast. He hopes... she's okay.

---------------

Anubhav sits at his desk, hunched over a thick case file, pen moving across the page in quick, focused strokes. Soon his phone rings.

He picks it up without looking. "Yes?"

"Anubhav."

His hand stills over the paper and exhales sharply. "Going to threaten me again? Say what you want, Yashwant. The complaint has been filed. This time, you're going to prison and nothing can stop it."

"Saanvi gets off school around this time... doesn't she?"

Anubhav's entire body stiffens. His eyes flick to the wall clock. His breath catches. "Don't," he growls. "Don't you dare."

"How many times have I warned you, Anubhav? You should've backed off. Now you'll pay the price. Pity, though... such a sweet little girl."

"What the fuck are you saying?" Anubhav snaps, already rising to his feet. His heart pounds against his ribs. His fingers clench around the phone.

"The car she's in. There's a bomb under it. Just ten minutes. Maybe less."

Anubhav stumbles back a step, gripping the edge of the desk. Sweat breaks across his forehead. His throat dries, the phone shakes in his hand.

"I swear to God-"

"God won't help you no-"

Anubhav doesn't wait for another word. He slams the phone down, snatches his keys with shaking hands, and rushes out of the office. His hand trembles as he dials the driver, but he didn't pick up, he tries again. Still nothing.

"Pick up... pick up!" he mutters under his breath, nearly stumbling through the building's glass doors. His pulse thunders in his ears as he reaches his car.

Inside, he fumbles with the ignition, slams the door shut, and drops a frantic voice message to the driver. Then he calls Pranay.

"Hello?"

"Pranay, listen-go pick up Vikram from school. Right now." His voice cracks from the tightness in his chest.

"What? Why? Is everything-"

"Just do it!" Anubhav hangs up without waiting for a reply and floors the accelerator.

The city blurs past him. His fingers grip the steering wheel so hard his knuckles turn white. Sweat drips down his temple. His vision blurs. He feels a sharp sting in his chest, he gasps, slamming a fist against his heart.

"Not now," he mutters, gritting his teeth. "Please, not now."

The sound of distant sirens grows louder as he reaches a congested street. His car screeches to a halt. Crowds have already gathered. A thick plume of black smoke coils upward into the sky. People murmur in panic, some holding phones, others trying to push forward.

Anubhav's stomach drops. His hand finds the door handle. He flings it open and sprints into the crowd

He pushes through the crowd, breath ragged, chest heaving. Every step feels like running underwater.

Then he sees flames lick the sky as a mangled car burns at the center of the road. Firefighters work at the scene. A few bodies lie near the sidewalk, bloodied and covered in soot. One woman screams. A man cries out, trying to drag someone to safety.

Anubhav's gaze locks on the number plate of the burning car.

It's theirs.

His knees buckle. "Saanvi!" His voice rips from his throat, raw and desperate. "Saanvi!" He tries to run forward, but two bystanders grab him, holding him back.

"Sir! You can't-stay back!"

"No! Let me go! My daughter's inside! Please-please-let me go!" He thrashes in their grip, his voice breaking.

"Meri bacchi!" He falls to his knees, crawling, dragging himself toward the wreckage.

"My baby-please-she's in pain-I have to get her-I have to-" he sobs, forehead hitting the pavement. The heat scorches his skin even from afar, but the cold inside his chest spreads faster. His hands scrape against the asphalt as he tries to push forward. His cries turn to guttural sobs. "She's all I have... please-Saanvi!"

A sharp, crushing pain pierces through his chest, right at the center. He tries to breathe tries to speak but no sound comes out. He clutches his chest, gasping his body convulses as everything starts to fade. The noise around him drowns in silence.

One Day Later

A faint beeping fills the quiet hospital room. The sterile scent of antiseptic clings to the air. Anubhav's eyelids flutter, his lashes twitching. As soon as they part, a sharp beam of light hits his eyes, and he winces, shutting them again.

"Bhaiya..." The soft, familiar voice pulls him fully into consciousness.

He blinks slowly, vision adjusting to the light, and finds Pranay standing at his bedside, relief washing over his tired features.

"S...Saanvi?" Anubhav whispers,

"She's okay, bhaiya," Pranay assures gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. "She's safe."

A long breath escapes Anubhav's lungs, and he leans back into the pillows. His hand instinctively presses to his chest as a dull ache pulses there. He tries to sit up. Pranay quickly steps forward, helping him upright. Anubhav hisses as the pain tightens around his ribs.

"Vikram?"

"He's okay too," Pranay nods. "Don't worry."

"Where are they?"

"Saanvi's at my place with Meher. She's looking after her. Vikram's right outside the ward."

Anubhav exhales, his head falling back against the pillow. A mixture of pain and relief swirls in his eyes.

"Saanvi said she saw a boy in a nearby café... she stepped out of the car to eat cheesecake. The driver was looking for her when the explosion happened. Afterward, he found her. He saw your missed calls and tried calling you but couldn't get through. Then he called me."

Anubhav stares at the ceiling, chest rising and falling slowly. "Thanks to that boy."

Before Pranay can respond, the door creaks open and a doctor enters, clipboard in hand.

"Mr. Malhotra," the doctor greets with a nod. "Feeling any better?"

Anubhav nods faintly.

"There's something we need to discuss."

Pranay tenses slightly.

The doctor sighs. "Your condition is worsening. The heart attack was more severe than we expected. I won't sugarcoat it, Mr. Malhotra... your time may be limited."

"How long?" Anubhav finally asks, staring down at his hands resting weakly in his lap.

"We can't say for sure," the doctor replies quietly. "But... a few years at best. Less, if the heart doesn't respond to medication."

Pranay closes his eyes as he looks away and wipes at his face. Anubhav just nods.

The doctor watches them both for a moment, then quietly turns and leaves the room, closing the door behind him.

Anubhav leans back again, his gaze fixed on the ceiling, but his thoughts are already far, far away. His phone buzzes on the metal stand beside his hospital bed.

"They've been calling since yesterday," Pranay says eyeing the screen.

Anubhav turns his head slowly, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. He picks up the phone with trembling fingers and taps the speaker button, letting it rest on the blanket near his leg.

"Sometimes it's wiser to step back... for the sake of what's left."

A dry chuckle follows. Anubhav doesn't say a word. He sits still, shoulders sunken, his gaze unfocused on the wall in front of him.

"I saw the news. God seems to really like her. That girl keeps slipping past death like she's charmed." His hands curl into fists under the blanket.

"You still have time, Anubhav. Back off. Send her away. I would've let you have that little luxury watching her grow up but now? Now I want to watch you break. I want to see that look in your eyes... the helpless father, forced to let go of the only thing keeping him breathing, a father who's forced to abandon his own child. Get her out of India. As far as you can. I don't care where. If she sets foot back here, if she even thinks about coming back I swear, her death will be worse than your wife's." Anubhav closes his eyes for a brief moment.

"She saw too much, Anubhav. She's a liability. And I don't like liabilities. I'm moving to India soon. I want front row seats to your misery. I'll ruin you in every way possible until you wish you never challenged me. You touched the wrong person. You should've known better. Final warning send her away. Drop the FIR. Or watch your entire family vanish, one by one."

The line clicks dead. His eyes remain fixed on the white hospital wall blankly.

"Bhaiya..." Pranay places a steady hand on Anubhav's shoulder.

Tears gather, blurring his vision, "I don't know what to do anymore..." he whispers. "Do I fight for Suhana? For justice? Or do I save my daughter...?"

Pranay closes his eyes briefly, collecting himself. "Bhaiya... send Saanvi away."

Anubhav turns sharply toward him, disbelief painted across his face. "What are you saying?" His voice rises, cracking with helplessness. "She's just a child, Pranay. She lost her mother a month ago. And you want me to abandon her? And what about justice?" he goes on, chest heaving. "What about Suhana?"

"I understand. But think about Saanvi. About Vikram too. You saw the blast, Bhaiya. What if she hadn't stepped out of that car?"

Anubhav falls silent. His knuckles go white as he grips the blanket. His face pales.

"We can't play with ideals right now. This isn't about right or wrong anymore. It's about survival. She saw everything, Bhaiya. She's a target now. We have to hide her."

Anubhav shakes his head slowly, voice almost crying, "She'll be all alone... she won't understand. I can't do that to her."

"Your priority now is to protect her," Pranay says, "Not to explain everything. If you want... I can talk to my friend. She lives in New York. Saanvi can stay with her family, finish school, and live safely. My in laws are there too. No one will know. No trace. We'll keep her protected, quietly."

Anubhav covers his face with both hands, breathing heavy, the decision was suffocating him.

Your time may be limited.

The doctor's words echo in his head like a haunting bell.

Slowly, Anubhav looks up at Pranay. His eyes were red and defeated, "Send both Saanvi and Vikram. I'm going to die anyway... at least if they're away from me, they won't suffer the way they did when Suhana left." He swallows the lump rising in his throat. "... if they grow up away from me, the pain won't be so bad when I'm gone."

Pranay's eyes well up. He shakes his head. "Don't... Bhaiya, please don't say that." His wipes his tears roughly, forcing himself to stay composed.

Anubhav exhales shakily and wipes his own tears. "Prepare everything." Pranay nods through the tears.

"Thank you," Anubhav murmurs, "You and Meher... you've done so much, even after Suhana..."

Pranay gives him a small, sad smile. "Saanvi and Vikram are as much ours as yours, Bhaiya. How could we not step in?" He looks down for a second, then back up. "And about Suhana... I've moved on long ago, I love Meher. And I was never bitter. Suhana chose you because she loved you. She was my friend long before anything else."

Anubhav holds his gaze and nods slowly. "If something happens to me... promise me, you'll take care of them."

Pranay blinks back tears. He lowers his head and places a hand over Anubhav's. "I will. I swear."

Pranay leaves, the door clicking shut behind him. A few minutes pass in heavy silence before it creaks open again.

Anubhav turns his head and sees Vikram step inside. The boy stands hesitantly near the doorway, Anubhav forces a smile.

"How are you, beta?" he asks softly.

Vikram walks slowly to his father's bedside. He doesn't answer. He just looks at him and Anubhav's smile fades the moment he sees the tears brimming in his son's eyes.

"Vikram?" Anubhav's brow furrows. He reaches up and cups his son's face, wiping at the tears already sliding down his cheeks. "What happened?"

And then Vikram breaks. "You're leaving us too... Dad?" The words come out in a choked sob as he wraps his arms around Anubhav and clings to him tightly.

Anubhav's heart shatters, he realised Vikram heard everything, he pulls Vikram close, rubbing his small back with trembling hands. "No, no... I'm not, beta. I'm right here." He swallows hard. "But you... you're the big brother, remember? You have to protect Saanvi. You have to chase your dream, become that footballer we always talked about. Don't give up, Vikram. Don't let this stop you."

Vikram pulls back just enough to look him in the eyes. "I'm not just her brother," he says, almost defiantly. "I'm your son too. And you need me. Saanvi can go... but I'm staying. I'll take care of you. I'll protect you both." He squeezes his eyes shut, more tears falling. "I don't want to play football anymore. I'll become a businessman... powerful enough to make sure no one ever hurts us again."

Anubhav stares at him, emotion tightening every muscle in his body. He pulls him back into a hug, holding him, "I'm so sorry, Vikram, I never wanted this for you. I wanted you to be a kid. Just... a happy, carefree child."

He pulls back slightly and brushes the tears off Vikram's flushed cheeks. The boy hiccups, still crying. "You can't stay here, beta," Anubhav says softly. "Saanvi needs you. You have to go with her. She won't manage alone... not without you."

Vikram shakes his head stubbornly, lips quivering. "What about you, Dad? You think sending us away will make us forget you? Or hate you?" His voice rises slightly. "I won't. I'll still be right here, no matter where you send me. I'll find a way. I'll protect us all, Saanvi... and you. I'm not running away, not from that man who hurt Mom. Not from the man who wants to hurt Saanvi."

Anubhav closes his eyes, a fresh wave of tears slipping down his face. The sight of his son, too brave, too young, already trying to become the man of the house. He was watching his child grow up far too soon.

✿✿✿✿✿

"My precious..." Anubhav kneels slowly in front of Saanvi, his heart breaking as he looks into her confused amber eyes. She stands in the dimly lit corridor of the hostel, her tiny fingers twisting the edge of her school sweater, glancing around at the unfamiliar place as the hallway lights flicker once before going out.

"Look at me," he says softly and Saanvi's eyes meet his. He swallows hard, "What I'm about to do... you'll hate me for it. And you should." His voice cracks as he continues, "But I want you to remember one thing, always, Papa loves you. I've never stopped. I never will. No matter what it looks like, I never abandoned you,"

His hand trembles as he cups her cheek, pressing a long kiss to her forehead. "You're my heart, Saanvi. My precious, I love you baby."

She frowns, confused, glancing toward the blonde woman standing beside her, who offers a soft smile. Then her eyes shift to Vikram, who stands quietly at their father's side, his head down.

Anubhav slowly rises, looking at the woman with a nod before turning back to his daughter. "She loves lemonade... and cheesecake, please... give it to her when she asks." his voice cracks, "Let's go, Vikram," he says quietly, reaching for his son's hand.

But before Vikram can move, Saanvi's small hand grips the back of his shirt tightly. Her eyes widen, shimmering with panic. "Bhai! You both are leaving me?"

Vikram turns, his bottom lip quivering. He gently removes his father's grip and walks to her, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug. "We're not leaving you, Saanvi. We just... have to finish something. We'll come back soon, I promise and bhai loves you a lot, always remember." But his tears betray him.

"No! You're lying," she cries, pulling back, desperation rising in her voice. "Take me too! I don't want to stay here alone."

Anubhav clenches his jaw, eyes stinging, unable to speak. He turns his back and grabs Vikram's hand again. "Let's go,"

As they begin to walk away, Saanvi runs forward, but the woman gently holds her back. "No, sweetheart."

"No! No! Papa! Bhai!" she screams, thrashing in the woman's arms. "Don't leave me alone!"

Anubhav's shoulders shake, tears streaming silently down his cheeks as he keeps walking. He doesn't turn around.

"Dad!"

His steps freeze. He turns slowly. Saanvi is sobbing in the woman's arms, her voice raw, her tiny frame trembling. "You're hurting me, Dad! Please..."

He meets her eyes crying hard.

"If you're ever hurt, scared, or someone makes you cry, if you need me, even if I'm the reason you're hurting and you can't find the words just call me 'Dad.' I'll know. I'll know my little girl is hurting, and I'll come running. I'll take it all away, you'll never have to face it alone."

He closes his eyes, "I'm sorry, my precious,"

Then he turns away and walks down the hallway with Vikram, the sound of his daughter's cries echoing behind him.

______________________________________________________________________________