𝐕𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐊𝐀𝐀- 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞

30.

Sayantika sat on the edge of the couch, her gaze unfocused, drifting off into the silence of her thoughts. Across the room, Urmila and the others sat in restless anticipation, eyes darting to the door every few moments, tension knotting their expressions as they silently asked the same question: When will they come?

A sharp, trembling cry cut through the air. "Mumma!" Vedikaa’s voice pierced the silence, drawing every eye toward the doorway.

Sayantika’s heart skipped, her expression melting into a smile as tears pooled, shimmering with relief and joy. She opened her arms just as Vedikaa burst through the door, racing toward her, and gathered her daughter close, pressing her tightly to her chest, as if afraid to let go.

“Mera baccha, aap theek ho na? Aapko kahi chot to nahi ayi?” Sayantika’s voice trembled as she gently scanned Vedikaa from head to toe, her eyes searching for any sign of harm.

“Mumma, Vedi is fine,” Vedikaa reassured her with a bright grin. “Papa came like an Ironman to rescue me.” Her eyes sparkled as she looked up, her smile wide and full of pride.

Just then, Abhiansh stepped inside, flanked by Dhruv, Veer, and Esha. Sayantika’s gaze drifted toward him, her eyes meeting his for a brief, intense moment. But as she caught him watching her, she quickly averted her gaze, a quiet flutter stirring within her.

Sayantika’s gaze fell back to her daughter, and a soft sob escaped her lips. She pulled Vedikaa closer, her voice breaking as she whispered, “B-baccha, k-kabhi Mumma ko chhod kar mat jana. Mumma will die without you, baccha.” She buried her face in Vedikaa’s neck, holding her as if she might disappear, fresh tears slipping down her cheeks.

Abhiansh moved closer, unable to bear the weight of his emotions any longer. He knelt beside Sayantika, and as his presence reached her, she looked up, her tear-filled eyes meeting his.

"Maat rou, mujhe dard ho raha hai," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper, pleading with her. Sayantika bit her lip, fighting back the urge to break down again, trying to hold herself together.

Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around them both, pulling them close to his chest, steady and warm.

"Papa," Vedikaa’s small voice rose softly, breaking the silence as she looked up at him with innocence shining in her eyes.

"Haa, baccha," he responded, his voice tender.

"Mumma is a cry baby," she said, her little face scrunched up in a playful grimace, bringing a ripple of laughter across the room.

Sayantika shot her a playful glare, but her stern look quickly dissolved into a soft laugh, one that mirrored the warmth in Abhiansh’s gaze. He held his wife against his chest, a gentle smile forming on his face as he took in the scene.

"My little family," he thought, a wave of gratitude filling him.

"Everyone, you all go and freshen up," Vikram called out, his voice carrying an easy authority. "Sayantika, take Vedikaa with you."

Sayantika glanced up, a soft nod acknowledging his words. Rising gracefully, she took Vedikaa’s hand and led her toward the stairs, her steps calm and assured as they moved upward, disappearing into the soft shadows above.

Abhiansh's gaze lingered on her as she disappeared into the room. One by one, the others drifted away to their respective rooms, leaving only him and Vikram in the silent hall.

"It was Marcus, wasn’t it?" Vikram’s voice broke the quiet, prompting Abhiansh to turn. He let out a weary sigh, nodding in confirmation.

"Yes," he replied, his voice steady. "But don’t worry—we have him now. This time, he’ll pay for what he’s done."