The Mafia heart ( book 1 )

chapter 27 The Rescue

The air was thick with tension as Vikram, Arman, and Kartikeya approached the old warehouse. The distant sound of a revving engine still echoed in their ears, and Vikram's heart raced with urgency. He had to find Mehek before it was too late.

"Stay close," Vikram whispered, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of Aman. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, pushing him forward.

Kartikeya nodded, his expression focused. "We'll check the main entrance first. If Aman is still here, he'll try to escape."

Arman added, "And we need to be quick. If he knows we're here, he might take Mehek with him."

With a determined nod, Vikram led the way inside the warehouse, the heavy door creaking ominously as they pushed it open. Darkness enveloped them, but Vikram was fueled by the thought of Mehek. He couldn't let her down again.

"Mehek!" Vikram called out softly, his voice echoing in the silence. "Can you hear me?"

"Vikram, over here!" Arman's voice cut through the tension as he spotted a dim light coming from deeper within the warehouse.

They rushed toward the light, hearts pounding. As they approached, they could see the outline of Mehek slumped on the floor, her wrists bound. Vikram felt a surge of anger at the sight of her helplessness.

"Mehek!" he shouted, rushing forward. He knelt beside her, fear gripping him as he reached out to touch her shoulder. "Are you okay? I'm here."

She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. "Vikram..." she whispered, her voice weak.

"It's me. I've got you," he said, his voice shaking with emotion. He quickly untied her wrists, his hands moving with urgency. "What did he do to you?"

"Just... just tired," Mehek murmured, her eyes struggling to focus on him. "Aman..."

"Don't worry about him. He's not going to hurt you anymore," Vikram promised as he freed her. "Arman, help me get her up."

Arman moved to Mehek's other side, carefully lifting her to her feet. "We need to get her out of here. Now."

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from the back of the warehouse. Vikram's heart dropped. "Aman!" he hissed, instinctively pushing Mehek behind him. "He's coming!"

"We have to move!" Kartikeya urged, glancing back at the shadows. "Let's get to the exit!"

As they hurried toward the door, Aman appeared, blocking their path. "You think you can just walk out with her?" he sneered, his expression twisted with rage. "You don't understand what you're getting into, Vikram!"

Vikram glared at Aman, his body tense with anger. "Get out of our way, Aman. This isn't your fight anymore."

Aman smirked, taking a step forward. "Oh, but it is. You think you can take her from me? She belongs with me!"

"Mehek doesn't belong to anyone!" Vikram shouted, stepping forward defiantly. "You've lost, Aman. Let her go!"

Just as Aman lunged toward them, Arman and Kartikeya quickly stepped in front of Vikram and Mehek, ready to defend them. "Get back!" Arman warned, his eyes locked on Aman's. "You're outnumbered!"

In that moment of distraction, Mehek, feeling the surge of adrenaline, pushed herself forward. "Vikram, we need to go! Don't let him stop us!"

"Right!" Vikram said, grabbing her arm and pulling her away. "Let's go!"

As they rushed past Aman, he cursed under his breath and lunged for them, but they were too quick. Vikram and his team dashed toward the exit, adrenaline pumping in their veins.

"Go, go, go!" Kartikeya urged, glancing back at Aman, who was already fuming in frustration. But Aman, realizing he was outnumbered and trapped, turned and ran away, disappearing into the shadows.

Once outside, Vikram supported Mehek, her body trembling from exhaustion. "We need to get you to the hospital," he said, panic rising in his chest. "You need a doctor."

"Vikram..." Mehek's voice was weak, but there was a note of hesitation. "I-"

"Don't talk. Just hold on," he interrupted, guiding her toward the car. He opened the door, helping her inside gently. "You're safe now. I promise."

As they sped away from the warehouse, Mehek leaned back, closing her eyes. Vikram glanced at her, his heart aching. He knew she might still hate him, but he couldn't let that stop him from protecting her.

"I'm sorry for everything, Mehek," he said softly, his voice full of sincerity. "I'll make it right. I promise."

Mehek opened her eyes, looking at him with a mix of emotions-anger, fear, but also something else. "Vikram, I..."

"Just focus on getting better," he said, cutting her off gently. "We'll talk later. Right now, your health is all that matters."

As they raced toward the hospital, Vikram's mind was filled with worry for Mehek. But deep down, a flicker of hope ignited. This was the moment he could show her how much she meant to him. He wouldn't let Aman take her from him again.