The Rathore's Family

Shouted

After breakfast, everyone drifted off to their usual routines. Advait, as usual, took Drishti to her college because now he trusted no one else.

Vihaan attempted to approach Advait, hoping to talk things out. But Advait brushed him off, saying, "We’ll talk when I get back." The dismissal only deepened Vihaan's regret.

Later that day, Drishti’s classes finished earlier than usual. They had some free time, so she and her friends decided to explore the city, something they hadn’t done in a long time.

"This is getting tiring!" Prachika complained, feeling exhausted from aimlessly wandering around. "We’re walking like we don’t have a destination."

Suddenly, Prachika’s face lit up with excitement. "Drishtiii!" she shouted, her pale expression from earlier now full of life.

"What? Can’t you say anything calmly?" Drishti shot back, half-joking, half-annoyed.

"Yaar, I have an idea!" Prachika beamed. "Why don’t you come to my place tonight? We’ll stay up, talk, have fun... it’ll be just like old times!"

The idea tempted Drishti. She missed spending time with her best friend, who was more like a sister. But then she remembered her in-laws. While they wouldn’t object to her going, except for the occasional taunt from Dadi, the thought of dealing with family dynamics made her hesitate.

Still, the chance to relax and bond with Prachika sounded too good to pass up.

"Hmmm," Drishti murmured, lost in thought, unsure of what to do.

"So, are we going?" Prachika asked, her voice filled with hope.

"But Advait must be on his way to pick me up..." Drishti trailed off, conflicted between her responsibilities and her desire for some fun…

…………

"Yaar, bahane mat banao. Saaf-saaf kaho ki ab tumhe mere saath rehne ka mann hi nahi karta," Prachika teased, her voice light but her eyes probing Drishti's face for a reaction.

Drishti forced a weak smile, her mind racing. "It’s not like that, Prachika…"

Before she could explain, her phone buzzed. Her heart skipped a beat. Advait.

Her fingers trembled as she hesitated, glancing at the time. She looked around, suddenly feeling exposed, as if his eyes could be anywhere. Despite the chill running down her spine, she picked up the call.

"Where are you?" His deep voice cut through her, making her throat tighten. He sounded calm, but she knew that tone—it was the calm before the storm.

Drishti swallowed hard, her eyes darting nervously in every direction, almost expecting him to appear out of nowhere. "I… I…" She stammered, trying to find the right words, but her mind was blank.

"I'm outside your college," he said, his voice sending another wave of anxiety through her.

Her eyes shot, Prachika, biting her lip nervously. "Woh…"

"Tell me exactly where you are." His voice had dropped an octave, dangerously close to anger.

She hesitated, taking a shaky breath, trying to calm her pounding heart. "Tumhe ye bhi nahi pata ki kahan ho?" he continued. "Send me your location." And before she could protest, the line went dead.

Drishti stared at her phone, her fingers numb as she reluctantly shared her location. Her chest felt tight, her breaths shallow, as she struggled to regain control of her emotions.

Prachika watched her closely. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Drishti forced a nod, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Hmm… haan."