Lost but Not Forgotten

PART 28

"Family?" Rohit scoffed, the hurt in his voice palpable. "What does family mean when you turn away in my darkest hour?"

Virat took a deep breath, trying to suppress his own emotions. "We've all made mistakes, Rohit. But we can fix this. We can help you—help your family."

Rohit's heart ached at those words, but his mind was clouded by anger and mistrust. "You want to help? Stay away from us. If you care about my family, let us handle this alone."

As he turned back to his children and Ritika, the pain of the past echoed in his heart, and he was left standing at a crossroads, battling the memories that haunted him and the hope that had been rekindled by the sight of his loved ones.

In that moment, the air was thick with unresolved emotions, and the future of their family hung in the balance, uncertain and fragile.

************

Just as the tension between Rohit and the rest of the group reached a breaking point, the sound of revving engines filled the air. Several black SUVs rolled up, blocking the exit from the secluded warehouse. The moment the doors flung open, a swarm of armed men poured out, weapons drawn, causing an immediate sense of panic among everyone present.

"Get down!" Ajinkya shouted, instinctively pushing Sammy and Moksh behind him as he positioned himself protectively in front of them. Bhumi and Ashwin quickly followed suit, ushering the children and their wives into a corner, away from the chaos.

Rohit's heart raced as he scanned the scene, recognizing the danger that had suddenly engulfed them. "Everyone, stay close!" he yelled, a surge of adrenaline coursing through him. The sight of his family—Sammy, Moksh, Vami, Akkay, and Ziva—cowering in fear made his protective instincts kick in.

Mahi stepped forward, his demeanor shifting from emotional to tactical. "Ajinkya, we need to get them to safety. Now!"

"Right," Ajinkya replied, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "Bhuvi, Ashwin, cover us while we get everyone to the cars. We have to move fast."

As the seniors took defensive positions, the children huddled together, their eyes wide with terror. Sammy's grip on Moksh tightened as they exchanged scared glances. "What's happening, Mom?" Moksh whispered, his voice trembling.

"It's okay, sweetie. Just stay close to me," Sammy reassured him, trying to project calm even as panic swirled around them.

Virat, still grappling with his emotions over Rohit, felt the urgency of the moment. He turned to Mahi, who was coordinating their escape. "We can't let them get to the kids. They'll use them against us."

"Exactly," Mahi agreed, eyes darting between the armed men and the cars. "We need to create a distraction. I'll cover you guys. Just get them to safety."

Bhuvi, realizing the gravity of the situation, stood firm next to Mahi. "We'll cover the rear. Just keep moving forward."

Rohit, feeling the heat of the moment, found a surge of determination. "I'm not leaving my family behind." He moved closer to Sammy, Moksh, and the others, his protective instinct overriding his anger and fear.

As the armed men started to advance, shouting threats, the air crackled with tension. Ajinkya, Bhuvi, and Ashwin quickly formed a protective barrier around the kids and their families, determined to shield them from harm.

"On the count of three, we make a run for it," Ajinkya whispered urgently. "One... Two... Three!"

With that, the group sprang into action, sprinting towards the nearest SUV. Bhuvi and Ashwin provided cover fire, shouting and drawing the attackers' attention, while Mahi and Ajinkya pushed the kids inside the vehicle.

"Get in, get in!" Mahi urged, panic creeping into his voice. As soon as Moksh and Sammy were safely inside, he turned back to Rohit. "We have to go!"

But Rohit hesitated, a flicker of doubt passing through him. He wanted to protect his family, but he also wanted answers. "What do they want with us?"

"Now's not the time, Rohit! We can figure that out later!" Virat shouted from a distance, struggling to keep his own emotions in check. He had his own priorities—keeping his family and friends safe

As the last of the kids were ushered into the SUV, Rohit felt a heavy weight in his chest. The fear on their faces was palpable, and he couldn't shake the sense of responsibility he felt as their father.

Suddenly, shots rang out, breaking the tension. "Go! Go! Go!" Ajinkya shouted, diving into the passenger seat of the SUV next to Mahi, who was already in the driver's seat.

With a final glance at his family, Rohit climbed into the backseat, holding Moksh close to him as the engine roared to life. Bhuvi and Ashwin jumped in just as the first SUV sped off, leaving the warehouse behind.

As they raced away, Virat and Mahi exchanged worried glances, knowing the battle was far from over. They could still feel the eyes of their enemies on their backs, and uncertainty loomed over them like a dark cloud.

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