Dons of Punjab: Fluke of Reality✔️

Chapter 18

Prabhneet Kaur

Moving back to England wasn't something I wanted, but it was something I had to do. I didn't have a choice. Everything in my life was changing, and I had no control over it. Leaving behind the life I had built here felt like tearing a piece of myself away. But deep down, I knew it was the right decision.

As I packed my bags, I tried not to think about everything I was leaving behind. The thought of saying goodbye to my siblings, my grandparents, and the people I loved made my chest tighten. But there was one thing that gave me comfort: my family's unwavering support. No matter what happened, I knew they would always be there for me.

"Dadi, please don't cry," I whispered, my voice shaking as I reached out to wipe the tears from her wrinkled cheeks. Seeing her like this made it even harder to leave.

"My little Prabh," she said softly, her voice breaking as she cupped my face in her hands. "You promise me you will call every day?"

"I promise," I said, forcing a smile even though my own tears threatened to fall.

She leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss on my forehead, her sobs still shaking her small frame.

"Beta, take care of yourself," Dadu said, his voice thick with emotion as he placed a strong yet gentle hand on my head. "No matter where you are, we are always with you." He kissed my forehead, just like Dadi had, and for a moment, I wanted to change my mind and stay. But I knew I couldn't.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and no matter how hard I tried to hold them back, they spilled down my cheeks. I felt arms wrap around me, strong and warm, pulling me close. My three brothers held me tightly, their familiar scents and comforting presence making me feel safe, even in this painful moment.

"I don't want to go," I choked out, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to leave you all."

Lalli paji, the eldest, bent down and placed a soft kiss on my forehead. "Shh, Prabh. It's going to be okay. You're not alone, we're always with you."

Deep paji sighed, his usual calm presence steadying me. "I know this is hard," he said gently, "but you're strong. You'll be okay."

Sunny paji, the youngest of my brothers, pulled me into another hug. "No matter what happens, we've got you. Always." His voice was soft but full of certainty.

I turned to my sisters-in-law, my heart heavy. "You both are not just my sisters-in-law. You are my real sisters." My voice was firm despite my tears. "And if those foolish brothers of mine ever trouble you, call me. I'll set them straight."

They both laughed through their tears, and we hugged tightly. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with love and sadness.

Then came the conversation we all had been avoiding.

"I wish Kanwar Jija wasn't the Mafia don," Lalli paji muttered, running a frustrated hand through his hair. His eyes were filled with anger and resignation.

I swallowed hard. He was right. If Kanwar Jija wasn't who he was, my life would be so much simpler. But because of his position, I was now being forced into something I never wanted—a marriage with his brother. A man I barely knew. A man I did not love.

I clenched my fists. I couldn't let them control my future. I had to find a way out.

Running away seemed like my only option. It was dangerous, but staying in this world was even worse. I would rather risk everything than live a life where my choices were not my own.

My brothers loaded my luggage into the car, their hands moving quickly, their faces unreadable. I hugged each of them again, holding on as if that would stop time. But time was cruel—it didn't stop. It kept moving, pushing me towards a future I wasn't ready for.