THE VALIANT GAME✔️

23

The lights turned on again but that didn't stop the suspicion.The house was plunged into darkness as the lights flickered and went out. Dhruv blinked a few times trying to adjust to the sudden blackness

Ishanvi : Dhruv !  It's not just a power cut. The entire block is dark. This feels... off.

She told in a whispered tone.

Dhruv felt a chill creep up his spine. They were used to occasional power cuts that are extremely rare.  but this felt different. He glanced toward the hallway, where the dim moonlight from the window barely illuminated the surroundings.

Dhruv ( whispers ) : Stay quiet. We need to make sure Nivriti is safe.

Ishanvi ( whispers ) : I'll check the circuit breaker. You go to Nivriti's room.

Dhruv : careful ! 

Dhruv moved swiftly but silently with  his heart pounding. He crept down the hallway and paused outside his daughter's room. The door was slightly ajar. He pushed it open slowly and peered inside. 

Nivriti was nestled peacefully under her blanket. Dhruv let out a quiet sigh of relief. As he was about to close the door, he heard a faint scuffle from the living room. His instincts kicked in. He needed to ensure the safety of everyone in the house.

Dhruv : Ishanvi ! something's not right. I think we have intruders.

He heard a muted thud from the living room again. Dhruv turned back towards Nivriti's room, carefully closing the door. He grabbed a baseball bat from the closet, knowing it would be silent but effective.

Dhruv ( to himself ) :  Stay calm. Think.

Dhruv silently crept down the hallway to the living room. He saw shadows moving under the door. Carefully, he opened it a crack and peered in.

In the dim light from the street, he could make out the shapes of two intruders rummaging through the room. Dhruv tightened his grip on the bat and prepared himself.

Dhruv ( to himself ) : I need to get them out of here without making noise.

He pushed the door open just enough to slip inside. One of the intruders was holding a flashlight, and Dhruv could see they were looking through drawers. Dhruv waited for the right moment.

When one of the intruders turned his back, Dhruv moved swiftly. He swung the bat, hitting the intruder on the side, making sure to use the edge of the bat to muffle the blow. The intruder crumpled to the floor, silently.

The second intruder turned in alarm, but Dhruv was already moving. He ducked low and charged, catching the second intruder by surprise. With a swift, controlled movement, Dhruv used the bat to knock the intruder against the wall, stifling any noise.

Dhruv glanced around, making sure that everything was clear. He heard a soft moan and realized it was the second intruder. He moved over quickly, covering the man's mouth and holding him down until he stopped struggling.

Ishanvi : Dhruv, are you okay?

Dhruv : We're okay for now. But we need to get Vidathri and get out of here.

Ishanvi nodded and moved down the hallway to Vidathri's room. Dhruv quickly tied up the two intruders using some ropes he pulled down from the knitted chair , securing them as silently as possible.

He joined Ishanvi in Vidathri's room. Vidathri was sitting up in bed, looking confused and scared.

Vidathri :  What's going on?

Ishanvi : We've had some intruders. Dhruv is handling them. We need to get you and Nivriti to a safe place.

Vidathri nodded . Dhruv moved back to Nivriti's room, waking her gently.

Dhruv : Nivriti, sweetie, wake up. We need to go, but you have to be very quiet, okay ? 

Nivriti is still half-asleep as she clung to Dhruv. He picked her up and carried her to the hallway, where Ishanvi and Vidathri were waiting.

They moved silently through the house, carefully avoiding any areas where they might encounter the intruders. Dhruv led them to the back door, which he had unlocked beforehand.

As they stepped outside into the cool night air, Dhruv took one last look at the house. He hoped the intruders wouldn't recover soon, giving them the time they needed to get to safety. All of their guards are unconscious and dhruv didn't understand how it happened under his watch.

Ishanvi : What now ? 

Dhruv : We get to the out house and call the police. We'll stay there until they arrive. I made it safe enough to take down 2 rounds of people.

They made their way quickly to the out house, and once there, Dhruv made the call. The police arrived shortly after and saluted at Dhruv . Dhruv gave them a detailed account of what had happened. 

Police officer : We'll take it from here sir ! 

As the officers entered the house, Dhruv, Ishanvi, Vidathri, and Nivriti settled in the outhouse.  Dhruv looked at his family, his heart still racing but relieved they were unharmed.

Dhruv : It's over. We're safe now.

Nivriti : can we go inside now ? 

Dhruv : Not just yet, sweetheart. But we'll be going in  soon, okay ? 

As the family huddled together, Dhruv felt a sense of profound relief. They had faced danger together and come through it safely. It was a night they would never forget, but it had strengthened their bond and reminded them of the importance of staying vigilant and united.

But one question is eating his mind. He didn't understand why the invaders are searching for something instead of attacking them.  That made his mind to race in the ocean of thoughts and probabilities.

............

How's the chapter ? 

I am done with writing the left over chapters but i have to edit them.  Probably i am going to end this book in a couple of days.