The Second Chance

Dangerous Flames

The festive night was filled with sparkles and joy as the family prepared to light up the sky with fireworks. Karan, full of excitement, stood beside Anika and Raajveer. "Come on, let’s burn the ladi!" Karan said, gesturing towards the long string of fireworks.

Anika, holding back, shook her head. "Di told me not to give the ladi pataka to anyone. She said it's too dangerous," she explained. She looked to Raajveer for support, "Tell him, Raajveer."

Raajveer, being the playful boy he was, couldn't help but show off the hidden firecracker he had tucked away earlier. "Don’t worry, Dad. I got something even better!" he grinned, revealing a special pataka he'd been keeping.

Anika frowned. "But Palki Di said no burning the ladi! We’ll get in trouble if she finds out."

Karan sighed, knowing better than to go against Palki’s wishes. "If Palki refused, then we shouldn’t burn it," he said with a reluctant smile, but his respect for Palki’s word was evident. He handed the ladi back to Raajveer, "Just keep it on the side for now."

As they set the fireworks down, Anika chirped, "Let’s take a selfie before anything else!" The family gathered to capture the moment, their smiles reflecting the joy of the festival. Just as they posed, an anaar burst on its own, catching everyone off guard.

Karan immediately asked, "Who brought this?"

Raajveer sheepishly raised his hand, "I did, Dad."

"Keep all the anaar away! They’re dangerous!" Karan ordered firmly, concern lining his voice.

Kriti, who had overheard the conversation from afar, twisted the situation in her favor, her jealousy burning hotter than any firework that night. An envious plan began to form in her mind. She quietly approached Palki, a sickly sweet smile on her face. "Palki, could you bring me an anaar? I left it outside."

Oblivious to Kriti’s intentions, Palki nodded and went outside to fetch the anaar. As she moved away, Kriti smirked to herself, her plan solidifying. *When Palki lights the anaar, it will burst uncontrollably, and she will get hurt. With her out of the way, Shaurya will be mine again,* she thought darkly.

Palki found the anaar, completely unaware of the danger she was in. She placed it on the ground and lit the candle. Meanwhile, inside the house, Karan and Shaurya were talking.

Karan suddenly turned to Shaurya with a worried expression. "The anaar are faulty—they're bursting on their own. I told Raajveer to keep them away."

Shaurya tensed. "Who’s burning them?"

Viraj, overhearing their conversation, replied quickly, "I remember seeing Palki and Kriti go outside with some anaar."

Shaurya's heart dropped. "Palki..." he whispered, already moving towards the door.

Outside, Palki lit the anaar, her face lighting up with a smile as it began to glow. But within moments, the anaar began bursting out of control. The flames caught onto nearby fireworks, creating a chain reaction. In seconds, the fire spread to the entire pile of crackers, bursting loudly in rapid succession. The sound was deafening, and everyone inside heard the commotion.

"What's happening?" Preeta shouted, her eyes wide with fear as she and the others rushed outside.

Kriti and Palki were trapped amidst the explosions. Sparks flew around them, and the fire intensified. Kriti screamed desperately, calling for Shaurya. "Shaurya! Save me!"

But Palki, on the other side, remained calm despite the chaos. Her eyes locked onto Shaurya's as he appeared in the distance. "Shaurya, don’t come! It’s too dangerous!" she shouted, trying to protect him, even from afar.

Shaurya’s mind was racing. His eyes flickered between Kriti and Palki, and memories flooded back of the time Palki had saved him after their marriage. He couldn’t let her face this danger alone. Without hesitation, he grabbed a cloth from Raajveer, who had instinctively thrown it his way.

"Shaurya, be careful!" Preeta cried, but Shaurya was already running.

He reached Palki, ignoring Kriti’s desperate pleas for help. In one swift motion, he threw the cloth over Palki and pulled her into his arms, covering her protectively. His arms tightened around her as he shielded her from the burning sparks, holding her close to his chest.

"Palki, I’ve got you," he whispered, his voice hoarse with fear and adrenaline.

Palki, overwhelmed, buried her face into his chest, trembling from both the fear and the closeness of Shaurya’s embrace. She clung to him, her heart pounding wildly.

Meanwhile, Viraj reached Kriti and threw another cloth over her, pulling her away from the flames. But Kriti was in shock, her eyes wide as she realized Shaurya had chosen Palki over her.

As the fire subsided, Shaurya led Palki back to the hall, gently seating her on the couch. He hovered over her, his eyes scanning her for any injuries. "Are you hurt? Did anything happen?" he asked, panic lacing his voice.

Palki shook her head, her breath still shallow. "I’m okay...thanks to you."

Shaurya breathed a sigh of relief but didn’t move from her side. His hand remained on her shoulder, his concern evident.

Meanwhile, Roohi, who had been terrified by the loud crackers, ran into the hall and straight into Shaurya’s arms. "Papa!" she cried, hugging him tightly, her small frame trembling.

Shaurya immediately wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "It’s okay, princess. I’m here," he soothed, kissing the top of her head.

The room fell into a stunned silence as everyone witnessed the tender moment between Shaurya and his daughter. Roohi’s innocent, sweet antics had been overshadowed by the dangerous events of the evening, but now, seeing her safe in Shaurya’s arms brought some calm.

That's it for today's update
Signing off
Diksha

Vote, comments and share feedback are always welcome