It's Called PRIDE!

[38] SEALING TOGETHER FOREVER

*This chapter contains violence which may trigger you if you are less than 18 years. So please skip the chapter if you don't fit the age level. And this chapter followed the Wattpad Guidelines so no for the readers. Enjoy ahead.*

Prity

Though I was briefly reassured by Laxmi's presence in front of me, an uneasiness gnawed at my insides. It felt as though someone was watching us. Perhaps it was my training in shooting, or maybe my sixth sense was especially acute, but I was certain I heard the faint click of a gun's safety catch being released.

I glanced around, trying to spot anything amiss, but everything seemed normal. Despite this, my intuition screamed that danger was imminent.

The priest beckoned me to take my vow, but my focus was elsewhere. My children and Laxmi stood beside me, vulnerable at the altar. Their safety was my priority.

A sudden, deafening gunshot shattered the air. Instinctively, I shielded them with my body. A sharp, searing pain tore through my left arm as a bullet ripped into my bicep. I groaned silently, my face contorted in agony.

Blood oozed from the wound, soaking my sleeve. Amid the chaos, Laxmi's horrified scream pierced through the hall's collective shock.

"My God!" Laxmi's eyes were wide with terror as she clutched Avi and Tina to her chest, her gaze fixed on my bleeding arm. But I had no time to dwell on the pain.

I swiftly drew my revolver from my suit pocket, turning sharply to locate the assailant. The room was a blur of panicked faces and desperate screams, but my focus was razor-sharp. I had to neutralise the threat before it could harm my family again.

"Stay down!" I commanded, my voice firm and unwavering. I pushed Laxmi and the kids to the floor, keeping them covered with her body.

The guests were in a frenzy, diving under tables and ducking behind chairs. The IPS officer was already on his feet, barking orders to his team. "Secure the exits! Lock this place down!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

My eyes locked onto a figure moving rapidly towards the front of the hall, trying to reach someone. I fired my revolver, but the bullet missed its target by a fraction as the assailant ducked behind a pillar.

For a few moments, everything went silent. I scanned the room, searching frantically but found no one. The officers were also combing through the panic-stricken crowd when I heard a very familiar voice, now a scream.

I turned toward the sound and saw Armand-his beastly face twisted in a grotesque smile. He was holding Laxmi's mother, the barrel of his gun pressed against her temple. Her face was contorted in fear.

"Mom!" Laxmi screamed, rushing forward and leaving the kids with my parents.

"No, Laxmi, don't go!" I shouted, grabbing her right hand with my injured one, my revolver steady in the other.

"But, Mom..." she sobbed, tears streaming down her face. Armand laughed, a cruel sound.

"So sad. I don't want to kill my mother-in-law," he sneered, tightening his grip on Laxmi's mother, who quivered in terror.

By now, the police officers had surrounded him, their guns trained on him. The IPS officer next to me stepped forward, his weapon aimed at Armand.

"Mr. Malhotra, let Mrs. Mathur go. We have you surrounded. If you try anything—"

Armand cut him off with a roar of laughter. "Spare me the cliché, officer. I know exactly what I'm doing." His gaze flicked to Laxmi, and his grip on the gun tightened.