THE VALIANT GAME✔️

26

The sun was beginning to set as Dhruv, Ishanvi, and Vidathri finally arrived at a safe house. Nivriti was already there, having been brought in by Raj who had managed to keep her out of harm's way. Dhruv's heart ached as he saw his daughter sitting quietly on a couch with her small figure looking vulnerable. He went upto her and bent down to her level.

Dhruv : Nivriti ?

He called her in a soft tone.

Raj : She didn't eat or drink anything. I tried telling her many times. She is extremely worried about you. 

Nivriti looked up and her eyes are red from crying. She hugged dhruv with her small arms wrapping around him tightly.

Nivriti : I was so scared Nanna ! 

Dhruv : I know, sweetie. I'm so sorry you had to go through this. I promise, you're safe now. We're all safe.

Nivriti : I missed you. I didn't know what was happening.

Dhruv : I missed you too. I did everything I could to make sure you were safe. It's over now. We're out of danger.

He looked up at Ishanvi and Vidathri, who stood nearby, their faces are a mix of relief and concern. 

Vidathri ! thank you dhruv ! I don't know what i would have done without you.

Dhruv : We're a team. We got through it together.

Vidathri gave Dhruv a grateful nod. The family settled into the safe house, the tension slowly easing as they began to process the events of the past hours. Ishanvi called the doctor and Dhruv received treatment for his injuries. He laid down on the bed and Nivriti is sitting beside him and drawing something. 

Dhruv :  I know today has been really tough, but we're going to be okay. We'll stay here until everything is sorted out.

Nivriti who is sitting by leaning to dhruv's torso turned towards him.

Nivriti : Can we go home soon ? I already missed my school today. 

Dhruv : Yes baby ! We'll go home when it's safe. But for now, we'll stay here and make sure everything is alright.

Nivriti kissed Dhruv's forehead and Dhruv smiled with tears in his eyes. Nivriti's presence beside him is giving the very same comfort he used to feel in his mother's presence. 

Vidathri : Guys ! Let's have some food. 

Vidathri came there and took Nivriti along with her. Ishanvi came there.

Ishanvi : Dhruv ! 

Dhruv : I know what's running in your mind Ishaa...nvi ! Let's talk about that later.

Ishanvi expected that he would address her as isha but he called her formally.

As the evening wore on, Dhruv and his family finally began to relax. The immediate threat was gone, and Delano was on his way to facing justice. Dhruv was proud of how his family had handled the situation, and he felt a deep sense of gratitude for their safety.

Dhruv : I'm so glad we're together. We'll get through this, and we'll come out stronger.

Raj : Yes ! Dhruv ! I guess you are going to get a worthy competitor in your professional life soon ! 

Dhruv : who's that ? 

Raj : who else ? I am talking about Nivriti Rudransh Raju ! She got eagle eyes. 

Dhruv looked at Nivi and she winked at him. He winked back.

The family gathered around, and Dhruv made sure to spend quality time with Nivriti, reading her favorite stories and reassuring her. As the night fell, the weight of the day's events slowly lifted, and Dhruv felt a renewed sense of hope.

In the end, they had faced a formidable enemy and come out victorious. With Delano in government custody and the immediate danger behind them, Dhruv and his family were finally able to start the process of healing and moving forward, together.

.........

4 DAYS LATER ,

The safe house was quiet now, the immediate danger gone. Dhruv and his family were settling into a new routine as they awaited the final resolution of Delano's case. Amidst the sense of relief and the process of healing, Dhruv found himself spending a lot of time reflecting on his life and the relationships that mattered most to him.

One evening, while Nivriti was engrossed in a book and Vidathri was out for a brief errand, Dhruv and Ishanvi found themselves alone in the living room. The atmosphere was calm, and the dim lighting created a cozy ambiance. Dhruv glanced over at Ishanvi, noticing how her presence seemed to bring a sense of normalcy and warmth to the room.

Dhruv : Ishanvi, can we talk for a moment ? 

Ishanvi :  Of course. What's on your mind ? 

Dhruv :  It's about us. About...everything that's happened.

Ishanvi's expression became thoughtful. She could sense the seriousness in Dhruv's tone.

Ishanvi : Go on ! 

She told with cheerfulness evident in her voice. Dhruv took a deep breath and spoke.

Dhruv : I've been thinking about how complicated things were in the past. We've been through so much. We were divorced, and it felt like the end of everything at that time. But now, after everything that's happened, I realize something important.

Ishanvi : What do you realize ? 

Dhruv :  I realize that even though being together was complicated, I can't imagine my life without you. I feel like I'm equal to a dead body without your presence. Your absence leaves a void that nothing else can fill.

Ishanvi : Dhruv ! I didn't expect you to say that. It's been so long. We both moved on, or at least tried to.

Ishanvi is the most happiest person on the planet at this moment.

Dhruv : I know. But seeing you again, especially through all this chaos, made me realize how much you mean to me. I want to be with you again, if you're willing to consider it.

Ishanvi's eyes softened, and she took a moment to process Dhruv's words. The years of separation and the difficulties they had faced seemed to melt away in that moment.

Ishanvi : Dhruv, it's not just about us being together. We have Nivriti to think about, and our past isn't so easily erased. But hearing you say that... it touches my heart. 

Dhruv nodded.

...........

How's the chapter ? 

Only 2-3 chapters are left.

I'm going to miss you guys. But no worries ! Let's continue bantering in the comment section of THE PARADISE OF LIES.