Bridging Hearts

28. This was just the beginning.

I have a test after an hour and here I am publishing the next chapter.

Okay, anyhoo, let me know in the comments what you think of this chapter and see you this Tuesday.

Him

As Arjun, Tara, and I walked out of the building, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. My senses were on high alert, my instincts kicking in before I even realized why. I slowed my pace slightly, scanning the parking lot out of the corner of my eye.

Nothing seemed out of place. Cars were lined up as usual, a few people scattered across the lot heading to their vehicles. But the feeling persisted-a prickling at the back of my neck, a sensation I'd learned to trust. Something was wrong.

I let my gaze roam, subtly watching for any unusual movement. That's when I saw it.

A man, standing too still, his posture too casual to be normal. He was leaning against a car a few rows back, his eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses despite the fading daylight. And that's when I saw. The logo of the car behind him.

It hit me like a punch to the gut. I was being followed.

The pieces clicked into place almost instantly. I didn't need to guess who had sent him. This wasn't just some random stalker. The game had started, and they were watching. They were coming.

I immediately tensed, my mind working overtime. I couldn't let Arjun or Tara get caught up in this. Not now. Not ever.

"Arjun," I said quietly but firmly, keeping my voice low so as not to alarm Tara. He shot me a questioning glance, his brow furrowed.

"Get Tara into the car. Now."

His confusion deepened, but I didn't give him time to question me. "You both need to go home. Lock the doors, don't open them for anyone. Call me if you notice anything suspicious."

I could see the questions swirling in his mind, but there was no time for explanations. Arjun wasn't a fool; he could read the urgency in my voice. He grabbed Tara's arm gently but firmly, turning her toward the car. "Come on, Tara. Let's go."

Tara, confused but trusting her brother, allowed herself to be led away, glancing back at me with a worried expression. I forced a reassuring nod her way, but my mind was already racing ahead.

Her

As soon as Bhaiya and I settled into the car, the silence between us felt suffocating. I could sense something was terribly wrong, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I shot a glance at him, but his eyes were firmly fixed on the road, his knuckles white as they gripped the steering wheel.

"Bhaiya, what was that? Why did Dante tell us to leave like that?" My voice was laced with concern, the confusion swirling inside me growing by the second.

Bhaiya didn't answer at first. His jaw was tight, and he seemed lost in thought. That wasn't like him. Usually, he'd have reassured me by now, made some sarcastic comment to lighten the mood. But this time? Nothing. Just a strained silence that seemed to stretch forever.

I couldn't take it. "Bhaiya," I pressed, "please tell me what's going on. Why was Dante acting like that? What aren't you telling me?"

He let out a long breath, still not looking at me. "Tara," he began slowly, his voice measured, "this is what I meant when I told you Dante was involved in certain things. Things I can't explain, not in detail." He glanced at me quickly, his expression softening for a moment. "Today you saw a glimpse of what Dante's life really looks like."

I felt a chill run down my spine. "What do you mean?" My voice came out quieter than I intended.

Bhaiya sighed again, gripping the steering wheel harder, his frustration palpable. "He's involved in things that aren't... simple, Tara. His world isn't simple. That's why I tried to protect you from this, from him. But I know Dante. I know what he's dealing with, and it's not something anyone should be dragged into without knowing the full story."