Book One of "The Roses" Series
✿PINK ROSE✿
Vikrant was a man shaped by shadows-ruthless, calculating, and unyieldingly cold. In his world, softness was a weakness, and mercy was a foreign concept. He had climbed the ranks of the underworld, his name...
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"You're safe now."
"You are brave."
"Jaanvi?"
"Jaanvi!"
Vikrant ji's voice echoed in my head, his deep, resonant tone swirling around my mind.
The darkness lifted, sunlight pierced through, washing over my closed eyelids, turning the black void into a warm orange glow. I squeezed my eyes shut tighter, trying to block out the sharp brightness poking through.
I shifted slightly in my sleep, hoping to find a more comfortable position, but a sharp pain shot through my body, forcing a wince from my lips. I felt a comforting warmth on my palm, and slowly, I opened my eyes, squinting as they adjusted to the harsh light around me.
The first thing I saw was my hand, and then I noticed Maa's gentle grip, her fingers tightly wrapped around mine. My brows knitted together as I looked her face, pale and weary.
"Maa," I whispered, my voice barely more than a breath. Her head jerked up, eyes wide and teary as they met mine. Without a moment's hesitation, she leaned in and pulled me into a tight embrace.
For a few seconds, we stayed like that, wrapped in each other's warmth. I felt a small smile tug at my lips, soaking in the comfort of her touch and the familiar scent of home that clung to her clothes.
When she finally pulled away, her expression softened. Leaning closer, she kissed my forehead gently, and my eyes fluttered shut, a wave of relief washing over me.
She drew back, her voice filled with a mix of happiness and relief, "Wait, let me call your dad!" she said, her tone lighter. She quickly turned and hurried out of the room.
My eyes widened looking at so many people walking inside the room in a rush. I watched Dad, bhaiya, Vikrant, Aayansh, Jayesh and Abhay and a few more whom I didn't even know but they looked scary with their cold aura and in black suits. Are they bodyguards? Am I misunderstanding the situation?
What were they all doing here?
The most important question gnawed at my mind, What was Vikrant ji doing in that basement where I was kidnapped? How did he get there? Did he know I was in danger? My thoughts raced, trying to connect things. How could he have possibly known I was kidnapped? And if he did, how did he find out where I was?
My chain of thoughts broke as I sensed Dad moving toward me, his steps quick and filled with urgency. He pulled me into a tight hug, gently cradling my head against his chest. Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision as I felt the familiar comfort of his embrace. His warmth wrapped around me. I clung to him, holding on as if I might drown without his presence.
He softly patted my back, his hand moving in soothing circles. "I'm here, bachcha," he murmured, his voice gentle, filled with love and a reassurance. I nodded against him, a faint smile tugging at my lips.
