The Foundling

7. The Talk

Prerna settled on the soft, comfortable bed and glanced up at Ranvijay and Abinash standing before her, their narrowed eyes causing her to let out a heavy sigh.

The room was filled with tension as she spoke in a small voice,."Before you both burst on me. I admit it was my stupidity. I underestimated Sikander, " she spoke, admitting her own stupidity. Her words hung in the air, met with a loud exasperated sigh from Ranvijay and a disapproving shake of Abinash's head.

Ranvijay began to pace back and forth, his restless footsteps echoing in the room, which made Prerna feel a wave of dizziness wash over her.

Abinash squinted his eyes, "Stop it Ranvijay, I have started feeling dizzy with your pacing back and forth, just shout it out or calm yourself," he spoke urging Ranvijay to calm down.

Prerna nodded in agreement, her eyes darting to Ranvijay now and then. The anger in Ranvijay's gaze intensified as he glared at Abinash, his frustration evident.

"Just shut it Abhi, this woman is already a mother of 13 year boy and now another one doesn't even know anything about self preservation. She knows the situation of outside very well yet she went without security,"

Abinash, always the calmer one, placed a reassuring hand on Ranvijay's back, guiding him to sit down, and handed him a glass of water.

He then turned his attention to Prerna, who still kept her gaze lowered. Another sigh escaped Abinash's lips as he knelt before her, taking her hand in his.

Prerna's teary eyes met Abinash's concerned gaze. Startled by her tears, Abinash glanced back at Ranvijay, who spat out the water he had been drinking, shocked by the sight of Prerna crying.

He quickly placed the glass down and rushed to Prerna's side, pulling her into a comforting embrace. Abinash joined the hug, gently patting her back.

Ranvijay's tone softened as he spoke,"Shh, shh, Prerna, why are you crying? I'm sorry for shouting but it was also because of your stupidity," guilt seeping into his voice.

Abinash playfully scolded Ranvijay, "who asked you to be a macho man? Now look, you made our bhabhi cry". referring to her as "bhabhi," their tactic whenever they felt remorseful.

Ranvijay apologized, holding his ears, eliciting a smile from Prerna.

She halted their playful banter, acknowledging their intentions. "Stop it, both of you. I know what you both are trying to do. Ran, I wasn't crying because you shouted at me. I certainly deserved to get scolded".

"WOWW, good realisation," Abinash couldn't resist a sarcastic tone and mischievous smile, earning a playful hit from Prerna.

"What really happened there, Pre?" Ranvijay asked, his voice breaking the jovial mood.

The air grew still as the weight of seriousness settled around them.

Prerna took a deep breath, her voice softening as she spoke. "It was Sikander. He came to threaten me about the recent deal our companies are fighting against. The last time, he suffered an enormous loss after we won the government tender, forcing him into debt. He wanted me to withdraw from this deal so he could win. But I refused. I already had a feeling about his plans. As I was crossing the street, a racing car was about to hit me. I swiftly moved back, causing me to fall and hit my head on the nearby slabs, twisting my ankle." The words hung in the air, heavy with tension.

"That bastard," Ranvijay hissed through clenched teeth, his anger palpable. His fist clenched tightly, trembling with rage.

Abinash, his usually calm demeanor replaced by anger, added, "We will make him pay, Ran. We will." His voice dripped with determination.