Whisper of the Night

Chapter 16 : Seeking Refuge

Kaira's POV

I paced around my room, my thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and frustration. The attack had shaken me to my core, and being back at my parents' house only added to the turmoil. Their constant disapproval, their relentless criticism—it was all too much.

I heard a knock on the door, and Varun entered, his expression softening when he saw my tear-streaked face. "Kaira, we need to talk."

I nodded, sitting down on the edge of my bed. Varun joined me, his presence a comforting anchor in the storm of my emotions.

"I can't stay here, Bhaiya," I said, my voice trembling. "I can't handle their constant criticism. I can't live in this environment anymore."

Varun's face tightened with concern. "I understand, Kaira. But it's not safe for you to be out on your own right now."

"I'll stay with Ritika," I suggested, hoping he would agree.

He shook his head immediately. "No, it's too risky. If they find out where you are, Ritika could be in danger too."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at him. "What am I supposed to do, Bhaiya? I can't stay here, but I can't put Ritika in danger either."

Varun sighed, rubbing his temples as he thought. After a moment, he looked at me, his expression resolute. "You can stay with Rishav."

I blinked in surprise. "Rishav?"

"Yes," Varun said firmly. "He can protect you. I trust him more than anyone else in this situation. He'll keep you safe."

My heart skipped a beat at the thought of staying with Rishav. The idea both thrilled and terrified me. "But what about you? What if they come after you?"

"I can handle myself," Varun said, his voice steady. "Right now, my priority is keeping you safe. And Rishav is the best person to do that."

I wiped away my tears, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Okay. I'll go to Rishav's place."

Varun nodded, relief evident on his face. "Good. I'll make the arrangements."

As he got up to leave, I reached out and grabbed his hand. "Thank you, Bhaiya. For everything."

He squeezed my hand gently. "We'll get through this, Kaira. I promise."

The ride to Rishav's apartment was tense. Varun drove in silence, his grip on the steering wheel tight, his eyes focused on the road ahead. I glanced at him, feeling a pang of guilt for causing him so much worry.

"Are you sure about this, Bhaiya?" I asked softly.

Varun nodded, his expression determined. "Yes, Kaira. Rishav is the best person to keep you safe. I trust him with my life, and I trust him with yours."

We pulled up to Rishav's building, and Varun turned to me, his gaze softening. "Stay strong, okay? We'll get through this."

I nodded, trying to muster a smile. "I will, Bhaiya. Thank you."

Varun got out of the car and walked around to open my door. As we approached the entrance, the door swung open, and Rishav stood there, his eyes locking onto mine.

"Kaira," he said, his voice a mix of relief and concern.

"Rishav," Varun greeted him, his tone serious. "Take care of her. She's been through a lot, and I don't want her in any more danger."

Rishav nodded, his jaw set. "I will, Varun. You have my word."

Varun turned to me, his expression softening. "I'll check in on you, okay? Just focus on staying safe."

I hugged him tightly, feeling a surge of gratitude. "I will. Thank you, Bhaiya."

As Varun left, I felt a mixture of anxiety and relief. Rishav closed the door behind us and turned to me, his gaze intense.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "I think so. It's just... a lot to process."

Rishav stepped closer, his presence reassuring. "You're safe here, Kaira. I won't let anything happen to you."

The sincerity in his voice made my heart ache. I looked up at him, my eyes searching his. "Thank you, Rishav. For everything."

He reached out and took my hand, his grip firm yet comforting. "You're mine to protect, Kaira. Always."

In that moment, standing there with Rishav, I felt a sense of security I hadn't felt in a long time. Despite the chaos and danger surrounding us, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.

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