Dons of Punjab: Fluke of Reality✔️

Chapter 25

Prabhneet Kaur

I couldn't believe it. Aman had found me.

The moment I saw his face outside my college, my blood ran cold. How? How did he track me down? I had been so careful. I had changed my number, moved to a different city, even kept a low profile on social media. But he was here. Standing right there, searching for me.

I didn't wait. I turned around and ran, my heart pounding in my chest. My hands shook as I grabbed my phone from my pocket. I needed to get home, pack my bags, and leave before he caught me.

I dialed my brother's number.

"Lalli paji!" I whispered, trying to catch my breath. "He's here. He found me."

There was silence for a second. Then his voice came, calm but firm. "Prabh, listen to me. Get your things. I'm booking your ticket. You're coming home. We'll take care of everything."

Tears welled up in my eyes. I wasn't alone. My brothers were still there for me.

"Okay," I whispered, my voice shaking. "I'm coming home."

I rushed back to my apartment. Every second felt like a countdown to disaster. I could barely zip my bag properly because my hands wouldn't stop shaking. But just as I finished, I heard the worst sound possible.

A loud BANG!

My front door shook.

I froze.

Another BANG! This time, the door cracked open.

My whole body screamed at me to move. I grabbed my bag and ran to the window. My apartment was on the second floor, but I didn't care. I climbed out, my legs trembling. I could hear him inside now, his footsteps heavy and angry.

"Prabh! I know you're here!" Aman's voice was filled with rage. "You can't run from me forever!"

I didn't stay to listen. I jumped. The landing was rough, my ankle twisted painfully, but I forced myself to keep going. I ran down the street, waving frantically for a taxi.

When I finally got inside one, I could barely breathe.

"Airport," I told the driver, my voice weak. "Fast, please."

I checked my phone again. Lalli paji had sent me my flight ticket. My fingers were still shaking when I pulled up the barcode. My passport felt like my lifeline.

I kept looking over my shoulder, afraid Aman would appear again. Every man who walked past me felt like a threat. Every shadow made my heart race.

I just need to get home. I just need to see my brothers.

After checking in my bags, I found a quiet corner near my gate. My legs finally gave out, and I sank into the chair.

I pulled my knees up to my chest, trying to calm down. But my thoughts wouldn't stop racing.

Would Aman follow me? Would he find out where I was going?

I closed my eyes and whispered a small prayer. Please, just let me get home safe.

When the boarding call came, I practically ran to the gate. The flight attendant scanned my ticket, and I rushed inside, settling into my seat.

The moment the plane took off, I let out a shaky breath.

I was going home.

As soon as the plane touched the ground, I felt my chest tighten. I needed to see my brothers. I needed to be somewhere safe.

I grabbed my bag and hurried through the airport. My eyes scanned the crowd, searching desperately.

Then I saw them.

Lalli paji stood in the middle of the arrivals area, his arms crossed, his face serious. Next to him were my other brothers, their eyes scanning the crowd until—

"Prabh!"

I didn't even think. I ran straight into their arms.

Lalli paji hugged me tight, his arms strong and safe around me. I felt another set of arms wrap around me—Deep paji, his voice low but full of emotion. "You're safe now, Prabh. We've got you."

Tears slipped down my face, but I didn't care.

"I was so scared," I admitted, my voice breaking. "He found me, he almost—"

"Shhh," Lalli paji said, his voice soft but firm. "You're home now. He won't touch you again."

I believed him. I had to.

When we finally reached home, I felt my whole body relax. The moment I stepped inside, warmth wrapped around me. The scent of home-cooked food, the soft hum of conversation, the familiar feeling of being home.

Then, I heard tiny footsteps.

I looked up just in time to see two little boys running toward me, their chubby hands reaching out. My heart melted.

"Buaaa!"

I laughed for the first time in what felt like forever. I bent down and scooped them up, kissing their little cheeks. "Oh my babies, I missed you so much!"

One of them, Gurman, pouted. "Where did you go, Bua? You didn't say bye."

My throat tightened. "I had to go somewhere for a little while, but I promise, I'm not going anywhere now."

My grandmother was next. Her frail arms wrapped around me, and she whispered in Punjabi, "Meri bacchi, tu thik hai? (My child, are you okay?)"

I nodded, swallowing back the tears. "Haan, Dadi. I'm okay now."

She kissed my forehead, holding me for a moment longer. "Bas, hun sab theek hovega. (Everything will be fine now.)"

I wanted to believe that.

For the first time in a long time, I felt safe. I wasn't alone anymore.

And no matter what happened next, I knew one thing for sure—

My brothers would never let Aman touch me again.