𝖉𝖎𝖘𝖎𝖑𝖑𝖚𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓 | ✓

𝔱𝔴𝔢𝔫𝔱𝔶

"Annika! Chod mujhe!" The matron tried to detangle Annika's grip from around her legs, but the thirteen year old clung onto her tightly.

"Please!" She begged. "Please unhe meri Chutki ko lene maat dijiye!" Annika cried, "She's all I have left."

"Do you want a good future for your sister?" The matron snapped. Annika nodded vigorously. "Then let her go."

Annika shook her head. "No!" She sniffled, "I'll provide a good life for us when I grow up. My needlework will get us money and I'll do anything to keep my sister."

The matron sighed tiredly before looking at Annika with cold eyes as she said in an icy tone, "Teri behen agar teri saat rahegi toh maregi!" She kicked Annika away, "And as for your needlework, it's shit!"

"B-b-b-but you said," Annika whimpered, clutching her arm to her chest as the big gash in her arm only got worse with each passing second and the pain spread all over her body.

"You've been able to sell as much as you have because you're a child." The matron spit. "You'll be able to sell some for a few more months." The older woman looked at her frail body, "Uske baad tere pas sirf ek hii cheez hogi which you can sell to earn money."

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Annika closed her eyes, remembering the worst years of her life. She still couldn't believe how heartless the matron had been, not even thinking twice about saying such a hurtful thing to a young teen.

As she watched with teary eyes, Gauri gained consciousness. "Jiji?" She whispered softly.

"I'm here, Chutki," Annika placed a hand on her cheek. "Tu thik hain?" Tears blurred her vision, as her voice cracked.

"I'm fine, Jiji," Gauri shivered. "Just a bit cold." She looked around, puzzled, "Where are we?"

"Come on, baby!" Daksh's voice grated on her nerves. "We're running out of time, Annika. Daksh ko wait karna achha nahi lagta."

Gauri's eyes widened, "Daksh?"

"Hello Gauri," Daksh grinned. "We haven't met yet, have we?" He bowed, "Daksh Khurana!"

"What do you want?" Gauri spat in anger. Teeth chattering, her gaze still managed to burn through Daksh, "Why have you kidnapped us?"

"Mmm? Oh I didn't kidnap you. I was just released from jail to ensure you two stop digging up old graves," Daksh shrugged.

"Kalyani Mills," Annika whispered.

"Who sent you!" Gauri tried to stand, only to stumble from the weakness. Annika made her sit back down, squeezing her fingers. "Leave us alone!"

"No can do," Daksh grinned. "I'm happy you're awake." Gauri looked at him, puzzled. "Oh, right. Annika hasn't told you yet." Daksh grinned maliciously. "Annika, do you want to do the honours?"

"Jiji what is he saying?" Gauri glanced at Annika, worriedly. She noticed the vacant look in her sister's eyes which terrified her. "Jiji?"

Annika closed her eyes. "Don't worry." She placed a hand on Gauri's cheek and opened her eyes. "Everything will be fine Chutki. I'll never let anyone hurt you."

"Your sister has agreed to take your place," Daksh answered Gauri's unasked question.

Gauri looked at Annika quizzically, "My place? Jiji, what's going on?"