Be Mine

35. book talk 🤐

                A D I T Y A

As I drove towards the mansion, my mind was racing, thoughts colliding and crashing like a storm. The gunshot, Joravar throwing himself in front of Aakriti, the moment I realized she was the target—all of it played on a loop, taunting me. I glanced over at Aakriti, half-asleep in the passenger seat, completely unaware of how close she’d come to dying tonight. A fierce surge of protectiveness rushed through me. Damn it, she had no idea.

When we finally pulled up to the mansion, I got out and gently scooped her into my arms. She mumbled something, lost in her drunken haze, but I didn’t stop. I carried her straight to my room, laid her down on the bed, and watched for a second, just to make sure she was okay. Her breathing was steady, her face peaceful. She was safe, for now.

I stepped back and drank a glass of water, trying to cool the fire burning inside me. I knew it was my father behind this—the cold, calculated move had his fingerprints all over it. I wanted to confront him, wanted to tear down whatever plan he had in motion. But that would have to wait. Aakriti was here, under my roof, and I wasn’t letting anything happen to her.

I needed to know how Joravar was doing. He had saved Aakriti, taken a bullet that was meant for her. I couldn't just sit here without knowing. After making sure Aakriti was still asleep, I slipped out to the balcony, phone in hand, and dialed Abhiman.

“Hello, how’s he doing?” I demanded as soon as he picked up.

“Don’t worry, Bhai. Everything’s under control. The doctor said the bullet just grazed his shoulder. No internal damage. He should regain consciousness in a couple of hours,” Abhiman replied, sounding calm, but I could sense the tension in his voice.

A wave of relief washed over me. “Thank God. I’m coming over to check on him.”

“No, Bhai, you’re not,” Abhiman cut in before I could say another word. “For now, stay with Bhabhi. She needs you. I’ll handle things here. Don’t leave her alone.”

I glanced back at Aakriti, sprawled on the bed, deep in sleep. “You’re right. She’s completely out. Passed out on the way back,” I admitted, my voice softening.

“We’ll deal with those responsible. They’ll pay,” Abhiman’s voice took on a darker, angrier tone.

“I’m going to make sure of that. Tomorrow, I’m heading to Patna to deal with him and bring Mom back,” I said, my resolve hardening.

“I’m coming with you,” he insisted.

“No. You stay here and protect Aakriti. He might try something else while I’m gone. I’ll tell her to stay here for a few days, just to be safe,” I replied, leaving no room for argument.

Abhiman sighed, frustrated but understanding. “Alright. Be careful, Bhai.”

I could hear the anger simmering in his voice; he wanted to be there when I confronted Dad. But I couldn’t risk it. Dad had lost the right to be called that a long time ago, and facing him wasn’t going to be easy. But I had to do it. Someone had to.

I sighed deeply, trying to push the day’s events to the back of my mind. After freshening up in the bathroom and changing into black trousers and a grey t-shirt, I grabbed a white t-shirt for Aki. She was still sprawled on the bed, her arm hanging off the edge, fast asleep. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight—she looked so peaceful, so unaware of the chaos that had just unfolded.

Quietly, I made my way to the kitchen. I knew the night wasn’t over for me, but Aki needed rest, and the least I could do was make her comfortable. I prepared an ayurvedic drink that I knew would help with the aftereffects of alcohol. It wasn’t the most pleasant drink, but it worked wonders for headaches and nausea.