My Safe Haven

Chapter : 2: Free from hell

Warning:- This chapter contains kidnapping, abuse, anxiety, fear, emotional distress, mature themes, non-consensual touching, and references to abuse. Reader discretion is advised.

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Thoughts are in italic...

Saras's POV

Saras was startled by the sudden knocking sound on the front door. It was definitely not Tamas. He could have just opened the door using his keys. Saras dared not make any sort of noise. "Are you inside?" asked an adult male voice gently. Saras for a second thought he recognized the voice but he didn't move from his position, he was too scared but confused at the same time.

"If you are inside, then please tell me. I'm here to help you."As soon as Saras heard the words, he was shell-shocked. Who is this man? And help... help...me? Thousands of questions swarmed in Saras's brain at once. He felt anxious, his throat dry. He reached for the table to stabilize himself but accidentally knocked over a glass.

The glass shattered into tiny pieces. He looked at it like he was looking at himself. The sound was extremely loud. Saras was sure enough that man heard it too. But right now, he didn't have the time to dwell on it because he was paralyzed by fear, he had to clean that mess before Tamas came home or he'll definitely would punish him. No, no, I can't let that happen, gotta clean it, gotta clean it. He hurried to pick up the shattered glasses but was startled by the sound of the front door bursting open with a loud 'thud'.

Saras was startled. He saw a tall man in a black suit rushing inside the house with a group of people consisting of two women and five men. They all went inside the house. It seemed like they were searching for something or someone. He was both terrified and confused. They are not going to hurt me, right.....right? He saw that the man wearing a black suit was now staring at him, then suddenly approached him. He instinctively retreated back and started shaking. He's going to hurt me, just like HIM.

Bhavneet's POV

It was 'him'. Bhavneet finally found him. Being a private investigator was not an easy task. You had to do every possible thing to solve a case, after all, you had sworn to do so. But it became more difficult if your best friend gave you a task to accomplish.

Six years ago, one of Bhavneet's best friends' younger son got kidnapped. His best friend had literally begged him to find his son, and Bhavneet agreed immediately. He loved that kid. Such a pure and lovable child, who wouldn't love him? 'Saras' was his name - a beautiful name for a beautiful child. Whenever Bhavneet went to their house, Saras would run to him and hug him, calling 'Uncle Neet'. He was so cheerful.

At first, Bhavneet thought Saras didn't like to talk, and he was absolutely right. He was an introvert, but then Bhavneet found out that Saras was actually very cheerful once you got to know him. He was extremely affectionate towards the people he loved. It was just that he had severe trust issues, and honestly, Bhavneet couldn't help but understand him.

But right now, Bhavneet couldn't recognize that smiling shy kid. He looked so broken. He looked terrified and was trembling with fear. What on earth happened to him? When Bhavneet tried to walk closer to him, he hurriedly backed away to a corner, hugging his knees to his chest, making himself appear small. Bhavneet took a step back. He didn't want to scare the poor boy more than he already was.

"Saras" Bhavneet called softly. Saras just looked at him blankly. Why is he looking at me like that? "You know me, right?" He asked hopefully. The boy just stared at him. He took a deep breath. This isn't good. "Calm down ok, we're here to help you. I know you're hurt. Please trust me; we're not bad people." Saras had stopped trembling but remained unmoving.

After a brief moment of silence, Bhavneet asked, "You really don't remember me." He was greeted with silence. He was about to give up when Saras suddenly asked, "Saras?" A pause "Is that my name?" Saras asked innocently.

What the...?

"Yes, it is," Bhavneet replied. Saras just nodded. Bhavneet was deep in thought...It's only been six years. How can he have forgotten his name?... It's not as simple as it seems.

He was brought back from his thoughts by Saras' sudden question, which he hadn't heard, "What? Sorry, can you repeat?" Saras nodded slightly. "You know me, then, right?" Saras asked, eyeing him cautiously. "Yes, my boy. Your father is my best friend," He said with a slight smile. Saras just looked at him, then looked down at his hands. Bhavneet saw that he was fidgeting with his fingers.

He's nervous.

"Hey, don't be nervous." He assured him. "Can you take me out of here?" Saras asked suddenly. "Yes, of course. That's the whole reason I'm here. I'll take you to your family." He reassured. "Really?" Saras asked hopefully. "Really," He reassured as sincerely as he could. "He won't find me, right?" Saras asked, fear settling in his beautiful brown eyes. "No, and I'll make sure of it." Bhavneet said with determination.

"Please help me." Saras almost whispered, "Please." Then he burst into tears, startling Bhavneet. He could imagine how much pain and torture Saras had endured. His pale skin, skinny body, and those hideous purple bruises on his pale arms said a lot. Bhavneet didn't want to imagine the scenario beneath Saras' T-shirt. He shook away the image for now. Suddenly, one of his team members came and informed him that they were done searching the house.

"What did you find?" Bhavneet asked, authority oozing off him. "Nothing, sir. No documents, no identification, no nothing. There's only a photograph. It was hidden behind the mirror." A male team member answered.

Bhavneet took the photo and flipped it; it had 'T. M' written on it.

He couldn't help but curse in frustration. Saras flinched at the curse word, which didn't go unnoticed. "Oh, Saras, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. You guys keep searching." He turned to Saras with a gentle smile. For the first time, the boy smiled a little. Bhavneet felt proud of himself. "Well, Saras, do you want me to help, or are you okay with my team members helping you?" He asked gently. "I'm okay." Saras whispered. "Are you sure?" He asked again for good measure, although he trusted Saras. When Saras nodded again, he slowly left but not before instructing his team to take good care of the boy.

Bhavneet was now on his way to his office. He couldn't wait to break the news to his dear best friend.

He won't faint from too much happiness, right?

He chuckled at his thoughts. He arrived at his office building, then took the elevator to the highest floor, where his office was located. He locked the door, then dialed his best friend's number. He picked up at the third ring.

"Hey Neet, everything is okay, right? You never call at this hour. What is it?" Bhavneet sighed; his dear friend was always paranoid after his son got kidnapped. "My friend, if you're standing, then I suggest you sit down." He warned calmly.

"Neet, what's the matter?"

"Sit down, old man." He demanded.

"Okay, okay, why so demanding? Okay, I'm sitting down now."

"Well..."

"Yes?"

"I found your son."

There was a long pause. "What?"

"I found your lost son, old man. Now breathe and prepare for his welcome. I know you're already listing his favorite dishes to make. Okay, gotta go, I'm a busy man." And he hung up.

This is going to be interesting.

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Sparkles......