Her Nightmare | 18+

|| Chapter 26 ||

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PARINIDHI

As the evening light dimmed, I sat on the steps, my gaze fixed on the scene unfolding before me. Reshma and another staff member had gently settled Anshika in the garden.

Despite my best efforts to look away, my eyes kept drifting back to her, each glance a stark reminder of the unspoken sorrow she carried.

In the days leading up to this, every attempt to break the silence with Anshika had been met with a wall of indifference. Lost in thought, a sudden movement near the gate jolted me back to reality. Rahul stood there, a looming figure in the gathering dusk.

Trapped within the courtyard, I turned to Reshma, silently pleading for her intervention. With a resigned sigh, she relented, her voice carrying the weight of reluctant understanding. "Let him through," she said, offering a small but meaningful gesture of empathy amidst the chaos.

As the gate swung open, Rahul dashed towards me, enveloping me in a tight, urgent hug. The joy of seeing my brother after so long surged through me, bringing with it a warmth I hadn't felt in days.

"What's happened, Rahul? Why are you here?" I asked, breaking the embrace to look at him with concern. "You know you're not supposed to be here," I added softly, reminding him of the rules.

"Di, I—I..." Rahul stuttered, breathless and flushed from his run. I quickly grabbed my pallu to wipe the sweat from his brow, clutching his hand to help him steady his breathing.

"Di, it's Ajit... He's in critical condition. He's been asking for you, begging to see you. I tried reaching Reshma ji, but couldn't get through. I had no choice but to come here," Rahul's words tumbled out in a rush.

The news of Ajit's dire state hit me like a bolt of lightning, filling me with a profound sense of helplessness. Despite my intense desire to rush to his side, my feet felt rooted to the spot.

Devansh's wrath was inevitable, and I feared for Rahul and Mom's safety as well. And Ajit... Ajit wouldn't escape Devansh's anger either. The harsh reality of the situation pressed down on me, amplifying my sense of dread.

In my heart, I carried an immense amount of care and love for Ajit, a love forged through his unwavering loyalty and steadfast presence when others faltered. Despite our 15-year friendship, the shadow of Devansh's fear had taken hold of my thoughts in recent months, making it impossible for me to move forward despite my desperate desire to do so.

"Di, what's happening? Let's go," Rahul urged, his grip on my hand firm and insistent.

His voice cut through my fear and uncertainty, pulling me back to reality.

I gently pulled my hand away from Rahul's grasp, my voice urgent. "Rahul, you need to leave now. Get out of here quickly. I can't come with you right now. I'll find a way to meet you later. But for now, go before Devansh arrives," I insisted, my words tinged with urgency.

"Di, I'm not leaving without you. You have to come..." Rahul's voice wavered, his plea a mix of determination and desperation.

Just then, a quivering voice broke the tension, filled with vulnerability and fear.

Rahul turned to find Anshika standing behind him, her frail appearance striking a deep chord within me. A wave of empathy and concern surged through me, mingled with a strong urge to protect and comfort her.

As Anshika struggled to stay on her feet, I moved to help her. But before I could reach her, Rahul was already there, trying to catch her. Despite his efforts, he stumbled and fell to his knees, still holding onto Anshika with unwavering determination.