cross road

Chapter-12

Pallavi sighed, her expression shifting to one of concern. "I went for a jog in the forest earlier today," she began, her voice steady but laced with unease. "I encountered some people who tried to grab me. When I attempted to run away, someone threw a log at me. Somehow, I managed to escape."

Raghav's eyes widened, a protective instinct surging within him. "What? Are you okay?" he asked, urgency creeping into his tone.

"Yeah, I'm fine now," she assured him, though he could see the lingering fear in her eyes. "I just got shaken up. I didn't expect anything like that to happen."

Raghav felt a mix of anger and concern. "You shouldn't be jogging alone in places like that. It's not safe," 

Pallavi felt her anger rising as she snapped, "I shouldn't  jog around town; people get distracted. I followed your suggestion to go to the nearby forest, and now look where that got me. Can you please list out what I can and can't do?"

Raghav's frustration flared. "Are you serious? I said that just for the sake of it! You actually went out there? Are you some teenager who can't recognize sarcasm? You're 26, a grown woman lived in the city—you should know better!"

Pallavi's impulse was to shout back, to tell him she is still  eighteen and teenager, but she bit her tongue. "This isn't your business! Don't act like my father!"

He stepped closer, leaning down toward her with a fierce intensity. "Yes, if I say anything, I'm interfering in your life. But you went to Mitul, someone you hardly know!"

She glared at him, her voice rising. "I wasn't aware you were in town; otherwise, I would have reached out to you first!"

The tension hung thick in the air, both of them grappling with their emotions—Raghav's protectiveness clashing with Pallavi's sense of helplessness

Raghav, still hovering near the bed, searched her eyes for understanding. "I just don't want anything to happen to you," he said, his tone softening slightly.

Raghav sighed, taking a step back before sitting next to her on the bed. "I'm not trying to control you," he said, his voice steady but softer now.

Pallavi softened at his admission, realizing that his protectiveness came from a place of care. "I understand"

The room fell into a heavy silence, tension lingering in the air like smoke after a fire. Hearts raced, the weight of their recent confrontation still hanging over them. Raghav stood up, shaking off the unease, and headed to the table next  to her bed and returned with a plate of breakfast, his expression a mix of concern and determination.

"I made lunch too," he said, his voice steady but low. "I'll be out for a bit. If you need anything, just call." He took her phone, swiftly adding his number to the speed dial before handing it back to her.

Just as he was about to step out, Pallavi's voice stopped him. "Raghav, please don't do anything reckless. I'm safe. You don't have to go after them."

He clenched his fist, frustration flickering in his eyes. "Just rest, Pallavi. I'll be back in some time," he replied. With that, he turned and left, the door closing softly behind him.

Pallavi sighed, staring at the plate of food untouched. She knew Raghav too well—his protective nature often pushed him into dangerous territory. 

Raghav wandered through the town, his mind racing as he gathered every piece of information he could. He observed the comings and goings of people, noting any unfamiliar faces. He was determined to uncover the identity of the person behind the trouble—and ensure they faced the consequences.

As he made his way down a street, he spotted Ravi, a thirteen-year-old boy who lived with his aunt and uncle.  Ravi had long since given up on school, spending his days selling fruits and other odds and ends around town. Raghav approached him, curious if the boy had noticed anything unusual.

"Hey, Ravi," Raghav said, crouching down to meet the boy's gaze. "Anything strange happening around here lately?"

Ravi shrugged,  "I haven't seen anyone new, really." with hint of disappointment , Just as Raghav was about to walk away, a thought crossed his mind.

"How about this:Can you pick up and drop Pallavi at the hospital and to home? She doesn't drive herself. I'll pay you monthly, but it has to stay between us."

Ravi's face lit up with excitement. "I can do that! I won't tell anyone, I promise!"

Raghav felt a wave of relief wash over him. Knowing that Pallavi would have someone trustworthy to rely on eased his mind, even if just a little.

With the arrangement in place, his thoughts shifted back to the task at hand—finding the culprits behind the recent troubles. 

Pallavi picked up her phone and dialed Mitul's number, her heart racing. When he answered, she wasted no time. "Mitul, Raghav found out about what happened in the forest. There are rumors going around town that someone was attacked in forest."

Mitul's voice tightened with concern. "What did you tell him?"

"I only mentioned my experience," Pallavi replied, trying to keep her tone steady. "I didn't say anything about Devi. If this gets out, I need you to tell him just part of the truth—about my attack, not hers."

A pause hung between them as Mitul considered her request. "Pallavi, that's a risky move. You know how rumors spread. What if they turn against you?"

"I'm just an outsider; I won't be here for long. But Devi—she's a child of this town. We have to protect her. The rumors won't affect me as much. Please, keep this between us."

Reluctantly, Mitul sighed. "Alright, for Devi's sake , I'll do it. But I don't like it."

As they ended the call, a nagging feeling tugged at her. Something didn't feel right, and the weight of their secrets pressed heavily on her mind.

As soon as Pallavi ended the call, she turned to see Raghav leaning against the doorframe, his gaze fixed intently on her. The intensity in his eyes made her squirm, a wave of anxiety washing over her.