Rathore's Vengeance

Thirty Three

Tara glanced at the girl she had rescued, now sitting upright on the bed, fully conscious. The morning sun filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow around them. The girl, however, remained silent, her face pale with fear, her eyes wide and distant. Tara's heart ached at the sight-she hadn't spoken a word since regaining consciousness, too frightened to even attempt a conversation.

After the doctor informed Tara that the girl was stable and could be discharged, Tara decided to take her home. Though she wanted to ask questions, to find out what had happened, she understood that the girl wasn't ready. Tara gently brushed aside her curiosity, choosing instead to focus on helping her recover. Once the girl felt safe and regained her strength, then they could address the questions that lingered. For now, getting her home and out of harm's way was the priority.

Tara entered the house with Roohi by her side and gently guided her to sit on the sofa, offering a reassuring smile. Just as she did, Amira appeared, ready to scold her daughter for not coming home the previous night, but her expression shifted the moment she saw Roohi. Amira's brow furrowed in confusion as she looked between the two.

"Tara?" Amira called out, her tone softer now, her curiosity piqued. Tara turned towards her mother.

"Who is this?" Amira asked, her gaze landing on the scared-looking girl beside Tara. Roohi, feeling nervous under Amira's scrutiny, hesitated but remained silent. Despite her fear, she sensed kindness in Tara, which is why she didn't resist being brought here.

Tara explained everything that had happened, recounting the events of the previous night. Amira's concern deepened as she listened, and she soon softened toward Roohi, her eyes filled with empathy.

"Beta, don't be scared," Amira said in a soothing voice, stepping closer. "You're safe here with us." Her words were gentle, reassuring Roohi, who glanced up at her.

"You can tell us what happened," Amira encouraged with genuine concern, her warmth palpable. "Where are you from, and how did you end up like this?"

Roohi hesitated for a moment before sighing and speaking in a quiet, shaky voice. "I'm Roohi," she introduced herself, then began explaining how she ended up in this situation-though she carefully avoided mentioning anything about her marriage.

Tara and Amira listened quietly, feeling a deep sense of compassion for her.

"Don't worry, beta, we're with you," Amira said softly, placing a comforting hand on Roohi's head. Roohi gave a small, grateful smile, but her eyes welled up with tears.

"You can stay here as long as you need, until you feel ready to go back," Amira added, gently wiping Roohi's tears away. Her tenderness made Roohi smile through her tears.

"Don't cry now, it's not good to cry in a home full of love," Amira said with a caring tone. Roohi frowned slightly, confused.

"You're also our daughter for as long as you're here," Amira added warmly, and Roohi, unable to hold back, broke into tears again, this time leaning into Amira for a hug. Tara and Amira exchanged a look of pity and understanding as Amira held Roohi, soothing her.

Amira pulled back after a moment, wiping away Roohi's tears with a smile. "That's better, isn't it?"

Suddenly, Tara gasped dramatically, trying to lighten the mood. "Oh no, I forgot!" she said, her eyes wide with playful shock.

Amira frowned. "What happened?"

"I never introduced myself to Roohi!" Tara said, grinning mischievously before turning to Roohi with a bright smile. "I'm Tara Roy. Nice to meet you, sis!"

Roohi smiled shyly, but before she could say anything, Tara mock-glared at her. "Wait a second! My mom gets a hug, and I only get a smile? Come on, give your sister a hug!" Tara pulled Roohi into a warm side hug, making Roohi smile more openly.