only HIS

Chapter 13 : Homecoming

**Abhishek's POV**

The morning sun filtered through the curtains of Abhishek's hospital room, casting a warm glow on his face. He had been awake for hours, his mind racing with thoughts of what had happened. The doctor had advised him to stay for at least a few more days, but Abhishek was never one to be contained. He wanted out, and when Abhishek wanted something, he usually got it.

Sumedh entered the room just as Abhishek was finishing up with the discharge paperwork.

"You're really going through with this, huh?" Sumedh asked, a mix of admiration and concern in his voice.

Abhishek smirked, wincing slightly as he moved. "You know me, Sumedh. I'm not one to stay down for long."

The nurse came in with a wheelchair, but Abhishek waved it off, insisting he could walk. Sumedh watched him closely, ready to catch him if he stumbled, but Abhishek's stride, though slower than usual, was steady.

Every step was a reminder of his fragility—his body protesting the strain even as his mind refused to relent. But Abhishek had never let pain stop him before, and he wasn't about to start now.

As they exited the hospital, the fresh air filled Abhishek's lungs, making him feel more alive, more determined. He could feel the tension in his muscles, the dull ache of his injuries, but it was nothing compared to the burning need for answers that fueled his every step.

Sumedh drove them back to Abhishek's house, the ride mostly silent except for a few occasional remarks about the road or the weather. Sumedh knew better than to push Abhishek when he was in this kind of mood—deep in thought, calculating his next move.

As soon as they pulled up to the driveway, Abhishek noticed something was off. The front door burst open before he could even reach for the handle, and Sid came running out, nearly tackling him to the ground, in a tight hug.

"Dada!" Sid's voice was thick with emotion, relief, and a bit of anger. "What the hell were you thinking? You scared the shit out of me!"

Abhishek chuckled, his ribs protesting the movement. "I'm fine, Sid. Just a few scratches."

Sid pulled back, glaring at him with teary eyes. "Scratches? Bhai, you were almost killed! You don't take any precautions, you're reckless, and now you're on house arrest until I say otherwise!"

Abhishek laughed again, shaking his head. "You can try, but you know you can't keep me here."

Sumedh, who had been quietly observing the scene, finally spoke up. "Sid's got a point, Abhi. Maybe take it easy for a bit. Let us handle things for now."

Abhishek sighed, knowing they were both right but unwilling to admit it. "Alright, alright. I'll rest. But just for today."

With that, he made his way to his bedroom, the familiar surroundings of his home bringing a sense of comfort and security that the hospital never could. The bed was like a soft cloud beneath him, and as soon as his head hit the pillow, he was out like a light.

---

A few hours later, Abhishek awoke to the sound of shouting coming from downstairs. His senses immediately went on high alert. Without thinking, he reached under his pillow and pulled out the gun he always kept there for emergencies. The events of the past few days had made him more cautious, more prepared for anything.

He tucked the gun into the waistband of his pants, under his t-shirt, making sure it was well concealed. The last thing he wanted was to alarm anyone. Moving silently, he descended the staircase, his mind racing through possibilities. But as he got closer, the voices became clearer, and he realized they weren't threatening. In fact, they were laughing, talking loudly as if in the middle of a heated debate. He let his gun arm fall to his side as he approached the living room, his curiosity piqued.