The Cricketer

Chapter 12

I haven't seen Ara the whole day! I feel disappointed about it. God, what's happening to me? Currently, it's 11 pm, and we are still out, just roaming around and having fun! I feel so damn tired, so I bid goodbye and start walking back to the hotel as it's only walkable distance.

I saw her friends some time ago, and I can't help but think she might be around! After a long time of mindless walking and not reaching the hotel, I finally realize I have lost my way, and I'm in a place I have never been before! I am in a dark alley, not too many people around.
It's like suddenly I was transferred into a scary movie scene. The dimly lit alley felt ominous, with shadows lurking in every corner and eerie silence enveloping the air. And suddenly I hear a few men laughing and talking, and some muffled noises I did not have a good feeling about this.
My mind told me to turn away, not to attract any unwanted attention, but my heart urged me to go and see what the noise was about. What if someone was in trouble?
So, I quickly followed the noises, my footsteps echoing off the walls as I approached the source. As I turned the corner, the sight in front of me broke my heart. All I could see was red now.

Two men surrounded another figure, their laughter turning sinister as they taunted and jeered at the person on the ground. My stomach churned as I realized what was happening.Without thinking, I rushed forward, my instincts overriding any sense of fear or self-preservation. "Hey! Leave her alone!" I shouted, my voice trembling with nothing but pure anger and animal rage.

They turned around, as soon as they saw me the smirk on their face turned red due to anger as if someone as spolied their fun! The two men were not well built just medium size and were totally drunk! One of them was ready to charge at me but the other held him shook his head they turned to the girl and ran away from there. I noticed one of them limping and the other had a black eye! The girl did throw a fight! So they must have knocked her unconscious.

I slowly went near the girl trying not to scare her away! I slowly removed the strands of hair from her face and got shocked to see that it was Ara! I suddenly felt so damn angry that I wanted to ruin their lives for doing this to her!

I checked if she was okay. There were bruises on her face; I clenched my fists so tightly they turned white. I tried to wake her up, but she didn't even give the slightest movement. I checked my phone to see where we were and how to get back to the hotel. Then, I slowly picked her up and walked back; luckily, it was just a 3-minute walk. It seemed I took the wrong turn before, but thank goodness I did, or who knows what would have happened to her!

As soon as I reached the hotel, I went straight to my room. I had a mental argument about whether I should call Vee bhai and Anu bhabi, but instead, I ran to our team doctor and brought him to my room. On my way back, I ran into Vee bhai and Anu bhabi. They looked worried seeing the doctor with me at such an odd time and started asking if everything was alright. I silently led the three of them to my room and explained what had happened. They were visibly concerned, and the doctor assured them that she was alright, just unconscious; she would be up soon.
Vee bhai: "What happened? Is she okay?"
VK: "I found her in the alley, unconscious. Those thugs were attacking her, but they ran away when they saw me."
Anu bhabi: "Oh my god! Is she hurt?"
VK: "She has bruises on her face, but the doctor said she'll be fine."Anu bhabi turned to me with teary eyes.
Anu bhabi: "Thank you, Vicky! If it wasn't for you, I can't even imagine the things that would have happened to her."
VK: "You shouldn't be thanking me! I will never let anything happen to her!"
Doctor: "She's waking up now. Let me check on her."

As soon as the doctor left, Vee bhai's expression shifted from concern to that of an angry father. His brows furrowed, and his jaw clenched, a fierce determination gleaming in his eyes."Who were those men, Ara?" he demanded, his voice laced with barely contained fury.
"And why were they attacking you?"Ara hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty as she glanced at Vee bhai. "I-I don't know," she stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "They came out of nowhere, and I tried to defend myself, but..."Vee bhai's anger seemed to intensify at her words, his fists tightening at his sides.
"But what?" he pressed, his tone sharp.Ara swallowed hard, her gaze dropping to her hands as she spoke. "But they were too strong... I couldn't fight them off.
That's when Vicky showed up and scared them away."Vee bhai's features softened slightly at Ara's explanation, his expression morphing into one of concern. "Are you hurt anywhere else?" he asked gently, reaching out to touch her bruised cheek.Ara shook her head, a small tremor passing through her. "No, just a few bruises," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.Vee bhai sighed, his anger dissipating as he pulled Ara into a comforting embrace. "I'm just glad you're safe," he said softly, his voice filled with relief.Anu bhabi joined in the embrace, wrapping her arms around Ara and Vee bhai. "We were so worried about you," she said, her voice choked with emotion.As the three of them held each other close, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for their unwavering support. Despite the terrifying ordeal Ara had been through, she was surrounded by people who cared deeply for her, ready to stand by her side no matter what.And as we sat there together, the bond between us stronger than ever, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, united as a family.

As soon as family time was over, Shreya and Akshay barged into the room, their expressions a mix of relief and concern."We heard from the doctor that you were here! Where the hell did you go? We were searching everywhere for you! Are you hurt? Do we have to plan a murder on the men that hurt you?" Shreya exclaimed, her voice laced with worry and anger as she surveyed Ara's bruises.Akshay's jaw clenched as he took in the sight of Ara's injuries, his fists tightening at his sides. "Who did this to you?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.Ara glanced at them, touched by their concern but also feeling guilty for worrying them. "I'm okay, guys," she reassured them, forcing a smile despite the pain. "Vicky saved me. It's all taken care of now."Shreya's eyes softened as she stepped forward, wrapping Ara in a tight hug. "Thank god you're safe," she murmured, her voice choked with emotion.Akshay joined in the embrace, his expression filled with relief. "We were so worried about you," he said softly, his tone gentle yet tinged with underlying anger.
As Shreya whispered something into Ara's ear, a blush crept onto her cheeks, and the two of them quietly left the room, leaving just the two of us."Thanks for saving me again, Vicky," Ara said, her voice soft with gratitude."Anything for you, Ara," I replied, sincerity ringing in my voice."I will get to my room now! And I will let you sleep peacefully!" she said, with a shy blush coloring her cheeks."Your welcome to stay here as long as you want. I will even let you borrow my clothes. I won't complain this time," I say with a small smirk and low voice, gently tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. She turned even redder at the gesture."T-thank you for the kind offer! But I guess I will get going now. Bye, have a good night!" she said, her voice slightly shaky as she bid me farewell.I walked her back to her room, feeling a sense of protectiveness wash over me as I watched her disappear into her own space. Returning to my bed, I lay down and reflected on the events of the day, a promise forming in my heart."I promise, Ara, I will always protect you and never let anyone hurt you," I whispered into the darkness, knowing that my words were a solemn vow that I intended to keep, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

Hello people!!!

what do u guys think?? any changes? improvements?
this chapter is a bit longer than the usual ones!
word count:1447

Checkout the other cricketers story too!!
"The Switch"

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