𝙁𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚

Chapter 38 - Love is in the rain

❝Kabhi jo badal barse
Main dekhoon tujhe aankhein bharke..
Tu lage mujhe pehli baarish ki duaa❞

Akshit's Pov

"She's not picking up!" I say to Aarav as I pace around, repeatedly dialing Tiara's number. Aarav leaves the man for a moment and stops me in my tracks, saying, "You go find both of them as soon as possible. I'll handle everything here. If needed, contact Karan." His words sound distant as my heartbeat drums in my ears, overwhelming everything else. I nod, then sprint towards the entrance, panic seizing control and numbing my senses.

I rush into the mall, heading straight for the toy stores, with plans to check the women's section next. Frantically, I dart from store to store, bumping into people and tripping over displays. Voices shout at me from behind, but I can't focus on anything other than finding them. Each empty store deepens my panic. My breathing becomes labored, and I pant after every dash. I chant to myself over and over, "I will find them. They are alright." I don't stop.

When I come up empty-handed at the toy stores, I make a beeline for the women's section. But before I can reach it, I collide hard with someone. The person falls, but I don't have time to help or apologize-until I hear the only voice that can soothe my nerves. "Mannerless blind idiot!" she shouts. I freeze mid-step. She continues muttering angrily as I slowly turn around. There, Tiara is collecting her scattered belongings and bags from the floor.

She finally rises to her full height, glaring furiously at me, but her expression soon shifts to confusion and shock. I stride toward her, and before she can say anything, I pull her into a tight hug. I close my eyes and let the relief wash over me. My heart, racing moments ago, begins to slow. Tiara doesn't hug me back, but she asks, "Are you...okay?" I don't answer. Behind her, I spot Suchi, looking a bit scared. I release Tiara and scoop Suchi into my arms, hugging her tight. She giggles and says, "Mamu, stop!" The fear of losing them transforms into overwhelming relief.

I put Suchi down and stand in front of them, beaming. "Sorry!" I finally apologize, smiling like I didn't just knock her over. Tiara quickly responds with an awkward smile, "It's okay, but what are you doing up here? And why are you running?"

Before she can press further, I interrupt, "I'll answer all your questions later, but first, are you done with your shopping? Did you have your ice cream?" She nods. "Well...yes, we're done. But you don't look very good. Should we buy some medicine? Is your fever getting worse?"

I shake my head. "No, no, I'm fine. Let's just get home." She nods hesitantly, picks up Suchi, and we start heading out. I move a little ahead and call Aarav. "I found them. Do you need help, or are you okay?" He replies, "No, just get home safe and stay alert. There could be more people following you."

"Okay," I respond before hanging up. Even if I wanted to help, I can't leave them alone again. Besides, I don't have the strength right now, and I don't even know what's going on with my body.

I instruct Tiara to wait while I get the car. When I reach the parking lot, Aarav and the man are gone. He works fast. I drive back to find Tiara, and she gets in with Suchi, placing her on her lap. The gratitude of finding them safe fills my heart as I drive towards home. Suchi drifts off to sleep in Tiara's lap.

When we finally arrive, I rush to open Tiara's door as she carries Suchi. Just as I move forward, Tiara suddenly grabs my arm, and I groan in pain. She stops and turns to me, eyes widening in shock as she notices her bloodied hand. I take a deep breath. Her expression shifts from shock to anger, but she quickly pushes it down, her voice laced with concern. "You need to go to the hospital!"

I shake my head and say, "Let's just get inside, okay? I'll take care of it. I can, trust me!... Also, be my pretty little crime partner and cover for me if anyone shows up, please? Please, sunflower?" I do my best to persuade her.