Lost but Not Forgotten

PART 34

The urgency of the moment forced everyone into action. As Rohit headed toward his family, the others scrambled to gather essentials. Virat, Mahi, Ajinkya, and Ashwin quickly discussed a plan to get everyone to safety. The looming threat outside made every second feel heavier.

Ajinkya gave the keys to one of the vehicles to Bhuvi and Harry, signaling them to take the kids first. "We'll follow behind. Keep them safe."

Rohit remained silent as Sammy and Moksh clung to him. Ritika gave a worried glance to her husband, sensing the storm inside him. She whispered, "Are you sure this is the right way?"

He didn't answer right away, his gaze distant. "I'm not putting anyone else's life at risk. It's my fight."

As the kids were ushered into the cars, Moksh tugged on Rohit's shirt. "Papa, will we be okay?"

Rohit knelt down to his level, brushing a hand through Moksh's hair. "I'll always protect you, no matter what." His voice softened, but there was a firmness to it, the kind only a father could have in such moments.

Sammy looked at him with a maturity beyond her years. "What about them, Papa? The people you used to call family?"

Rohit's heart clenched. Sammy had always seen through him, just like Ritika. But before he could answer, a loud sound echoed from outside—the unmistakable rumble of approaching vehicles.

"They're here," Ajinkya announced, rushing toward the window. His eyes darted between the team members, and the tension in the room spiked.

"We need to go now," Ashwin urged.

Everyone scrambled into action. As they loaded into the cars, Rohit made sure Moksh and Sammy were securely seated before sliding in next to them. Virat and Mahi followed behind in another vehicle, determined not to lose track of Rohit.

The cars sped through narrow roads, twisting and turning to evade the threat behind them. Ashwin was driving in the lead, his eyes darting between the road and the rearview mirror. The tension was palpable in the silence of the cars, with the adults exchanging worried glances while the kids sat quietly, sensing the gravity of the situation.

But soon enough, the sound of engines roaring behind them broke the silence.

"They're catching up," Ashwin muttered, gripping the steering wheel tighter.

"What do we do now?" Jassi asked, his voice tense.

Rohit, sitting next to him in the car, looked back at the vehicles following them. His face hardened as he saw the men closing in, heavily armed. "We split up," he said abruptly.

"Split up?" Virat's voice crackled through the walkie-talkie from the other car. "Are you insane?"

Rohit pressed the button to respond. "We can't let them catch us all. They're after me, not the kids. I'll lead them away. You take the others to safety."

"No way, Rohit!" Mahi's voice was calm but firm. "We're not letting you do this alone."

"You already did once," Rohit replied sharply, the bitterness in his voice unmistakable.

The line went silent for a moment. The weight of Rohit's words hit everyone in both cars.

Ashwin glanced at him. "You sure about this, Rohit?"

Rohit nodded. "It's the only way."

Ashwin hesitated but complied. The cars suddenly swerved down different roads, splitting up just as the pursuing vehicles reached the fork. Two SUVs followed Rohit and Ashwin's car, while the others chased the car with Virat, Mahi, and the kids.

As Ashwin sped through narrow streets, Rohit turned around to see the enemy closing in. His mind raced with thoughts of the past, the betrayal, and the family he had built from the ashes of his old life.

He glanced at Sammy and Moksh, who looked at him with worry, and his resolve hardened. "No matter what happens, I'll protect you."

Back in Virat's car, the tension remained high. Mahi was scanning their surroundings, formulating a plan. "We need to find a safe place for the kids," he said, eyeing the map.

"We're not leaving Rohit," Virat said through gritted teeth. "Not this time."

"We won't," Mahi assured him. "But we need to make sure everyone else is safe first."

In Rohit's car, things were escalating. The attackers behind them were getting dangerously close, and Rohit knew they had to make a move fast. "Ashwin, take the next turn," he ordered, his voice steady.

Ashwin did as told, but it was clear they were running out of time. The attackers weren't going to stop.

Suddenly, Rohit turned to Ajinkya, who was in the back seat with the kids. "Take them," he said quietly. "When we stop, you'll take them and run. I'll deal with this."

Ajinkya's eyes widened. "No, Rohit. We do this together."

Rohit's gaze was firm. "This isn't about me. It's about them. Get Sammy and Moksh to safety. That's all that matters now."

Before Ajinkya could protest, the car screeched to a halt as Ashwin slammed the brakes. Rohit jumped out without hesitation, motioning for Ajinkya to take the kids. He grabbed a metal pipe from the back of the car and faced the oncoming SUVs.

"Rohit, no!" Ajinkya shouted, but Rohit didn't turn back.

The SUVs came to a stop, and the armed men stepped out, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight. Rohit stood his ground, his face a mask of defiance.

"You came for me," Rohit said coldly. "Well, here I am."

Back at Virat and Mahi's car, they had successfully shaken off their pursuers for the moment. But Virat's heart was pounding with fear and frustration. He knew Rohit was in danger.

"We need to go back," Virat said urgently, his voice trembling with emotion. "We can't leave him."

Mahi met his eyes, understanding the unspoken words between them. "Let's go."

They made a U-turn, racing back toward where Rohit had stayed behind. They weren't going to let him fight this alone.

*****