"I don't want to become the kind of Adwait who would rip every single skin cell off any man who dares to have even the faintest touch upon your skin," He placed a soft, lingering kiss on her earlobe.
Nitya's heart raced in response to his words. Sh...
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"Adwait, please, drive fast," Nitya cried out, her hand gently rubbing Aradhya's back.
Adwait took a quick look at them, and panic started to grip him hard. He hit the gas, speeding up the car, but he kept it steady enough to avoid putting anyone in danger.
Aradhya sobbed uncontrollably, her chin quivering, and both hands trembling. She was clearly trying to pull herself together but just couldn't. Her breathing was heavy and ragged with each passing moment.
Nitya guided her to sip some water, her hands providing a continuous soothing motion on Aradhya's back. "Baby, calm down. Look, Mama and Papa are right here with you."
She knew it sounded crazy to say it, especially since they were still just teenagers and nowhere near being a mother or father figure. But Aradhya wouldn't understand that. Right now, a 2-year-old needed the comfort of parents, and she was doing her best to give her that.
But Aradhya wouldn't calm down. Her eyes stayed locked on Adwait as she squirmed in Nitya's arms, trying to reach him. "Papa," she sobbed in a heart-wrenching plea that grabbed his attention.
She reached out with both tiny, chubby hands, her eyes pleading silently for him to pick her up. "Papa," she called out again.
Adwait stole a glance at her, then at those tiny outstretched hands, before turning his focus back to the road.
Aradhya sobbed even more upon witnessing this. 'Pewse,' she pleaded.
Adwait's eyes filled with tears, and one single tear rolled down his cheek. His throat was tight, and his jaw was clenched. He felt completely helpless. Adya had gotten so close to him—more than he could ever explain or label. He loved her deeply—was it like a father? Maybe, but more than that, he saw himself as her protector.
He had definitely claimed her as his daughter in front of those goons, but that was instinctual. Adya calling him 'Dad' a few days ago had stuck in his mind so deeply that, subconsciously, it was starting to make him act like one.
Nitya gently pulled Aradhya closer. "Baby, he's driving the car. He can't hold you right now; it's not safe. Just wait a little longer, and once we get to the hospital, he'll hold you."
But the poor, little two-year-old couldn't grasp the concept of danger. All she yearned for in that moment was her father, the one whose arms provided safety, whose embrace meant protection. She hiccupped, crying inconsolably.
Nitya's tears flowed freely. Helplessness overwhelmed her. Gently stroking Aradhya's head, she whispered, "Hey, look at me." Aradhya turned her eyes to Nitya. "Just a few more minutes, and then he will hold you. For now, let me hold you, okay?"
Aradhya clutched onto Nitya's kurti and embraced her, while Nitya cocooned her in her arms while gently rubbing her back to soothe and calm her.
Soon, they arrived at the hospital, and the moment the car was parked, Adwait wasted no time in scooping Aradhya into his arms.
