cross road

Chapter-15

Raghav gently pulled back, creating a bit of space between them. He looked down at her, his hand instinctively reaching up to wipe away her tears. A strange fluttering sensation stirred in his stomach—something he wasn't used to. He'd always been indifferent to others, caring only for his family. Even Sneha's sister, Swathi, who had shown interest in him, hadn't sparked anything inside him. At the office, some of the staff tried to get overly familiar, but he'd always managed to keep his distance. Yet, when it came to Pallavi, he couldn't seem to do the same.

When Pallavi looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, Raghav felt a sharp pang in his chest, as though his own heart were aching in response to her sadness. The vulnerability in her gaze was something he couldn't ignore.

His voice softened, almost a whisper, as he leaned closer, concern lacing his words. "Has someone tried to hurt you? Why are you crying, Pallavi? You're making me worried," he asked, his gaze searching hers for any sign of what might be troubling her.

Pallavi blinked a few times, and despite the sadness that lingered in her eyes, a small, wistful smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She shook her head gently, as if to reassure him. "No, Raghav, no one has hurt me," she replied, her voice low and a little shaky. "It's just... I'm missing my family. It's been so long since I've seen them, and sometimes it just hits me all at once."

Raghav's expression softened further as he reached out, placing a hand gently on her arm. "You could video call them, Pallavi," he suggested, his voice filled with a quiet sincerity. "Or if you'd prefer, I can take you to them. We can leave right now and go—whatever you need." His offer was genuine, his concern for her more apparent than ever.

Pallavi hesitated, her gaze flickering downward as she searched for the right words, trying to come up with some excuse that would ease the situation. After a brief pause, she met his eyes again, her voice quieter this time. "They're not here," she murmured. "They're overseas... It's probably midnight where they are right now." She gave a small, wistful smile, trying to ease his worry. "Don't worry, though. I'll call them later, in the evening. I just miss them, that's all."

Pallavi stepped back from him, the moment of connection slipping away as she straightened herself. "Let's go," she said briskly, her voice steady, though there was a hint of urgency. "My rented vehicle might be waiting. If I don't leave now, by the time I get home, it'll be too late."

She turned away from the alley and started toward the road. But just as she was about to cross, Raghav stopped her with a firm hand on her arm. "Wait a minute," he said, his tone calm but commanding.

Pallavi paused, looking back at him, confusion flickering in her eyes as he pulled out his phone and began dialing. He spoke quickly, asking his brother if he could pick up their father and uncle, explaining that he had some urgent work to attend to. As he focused on his call, Pallavi's attention shifted to the road in front of her.

Just then, she spotted her uncle's vehicle caught in the slow-moving traffic,it stopped right beside her. She recognized him immediately—he was only a few steps away. Their eyes met across the distance, and he gave her a small, reassuring wave, silently asking if she was alright.

Pallavi's heart skipped a beat. She didn't want Raghav to notice her reaction, so she quickly turned her head, ensuring he was still absorbed in his conversation. She returned her uncle's silent greeting with a subtle nod and a tiny wave of her own, signaling that she was fine. Despite her attempt to keep calm, she could feel the tears welling up in her eyes, mirroring the unspoken emotions between her and her uncle.

Before either of them could say anything more, her uncle, likely sensing the need to leave quickly, rolled his window down slightly and dropped a crumpled piece of paper onto the street below.

Without thinking, driven by the impulse to retrieve it, Pallavi dashed into the road, kneeling to pick up the paper before it could be lost in the flow of cars. The movement was sudden, and in the split second that followed, a two-wheeler zipped past her, its engine roaring dangerously close.

The rider swerved, narrowly missing her. The shock of the near-collision made her stumble, and she fell to the ground, her foot grazing sharply against the rough thar road.

Raghav, still holding his phone to his ear, was speaking in a low, urgent tone when the sound of Pallavi's fall reached him. His heart skipped a beat at the sudden noise—something in the air shifted, and he instantly turned. His eyes widened as he saw her on the ground, a flash of panic surging through him.

Without a second thought, his phone conversation forgotten in an instant. His body surged forward, his legs moving faster than he had ever known, driven by a powerful instinct to get to her. His heart raced as he reached her, the world around him blurring into nothing but the need to make sure she was okay.

Pallavi was still on the ground, her face twisted in pain, her foot scraped. She looked disoriented, her hands pressed to the road as if to steady herself.

Raghav knelt beside her, his breath shallow from the rush. "Pallavi!" he said, his voice tight with concern, as he carefully helped her sit up, his hands gentle but firm. "Are you alright? Tell me where it hurts."

Behind him, Pallavi heard the sound of a door slamming. she glanced up briefly to see his uncle, panic etched in his features, already stepping out of the vehicle. But Raghav was faster—he had reached her first.

Pallavi's uncle stood frozen for a moment, his eyes wide with alarm as he watched his niece on the ground, his body tense with the impulse to rush over and help. He was clearly torn—his protective instincts urging him to be at her side, yet held back by the confusion of the situation. He could see a young  man had reached her first, and there was a brief moment where his gaze flickered between his nephew and young man, unsure whether to intervene or let young man handle it.

Pallavi, despite the pain, noticed her uncle's struggle. She gave a small, almost imperceptible gesture, a subtle shake of her head and a quick wave of her hand. It was a silent reassurance—"I'm okay." The message was clear enough, and though the concern in his eyes remained, her uncle slowly nodded in response, taking a step back.

With a deep, reluctant breath, he eased himself back into the rear seat of the car, his gaze never fully leaving the scene unfolding in front of him. He watched, his worry etched across his face, as Raghav carefully helped Pallavi to her feet, his protective presence unmistakable. The uncle stayed in the car, observing, waiting, knowing there was nothing more he could do in that moment but trust that young man would take care of her.

"Have you lost your mind?" Raghav's voice was tight with frustration, a mixture of worry and anger seeping through. "Who runs into the street like a maniac?" His words were harsh, but his concern was clear. "You nearly gave me a heart attack! I swear, if you need something, just tell me. I'll get it for you. But don't go running into traffic like that."

Pallavi blinked, still trying to steady herself, her heart pounding from the scare. Before she could even respond, Raghav's hands were on her, gently but firmly pulling her up. He inspected her arm, his fingers brushing over her skin with care, checking for any visible injuries. His gaze then flicked to her face, his eyes scanning her for any signs of damage, his worry written all over him.

Pallavi, still dazed from the shock of the fall, tried to hold herself together. "I'm fine," she said weakly, though her voice lacked conviction. She could see the concern etched deeply in Raghav's face, and the last thing she wanted was to worry him more.

Meanwhile, Pallavi's uncle, observing the entire scene from the car, let out a long, quiet sigh of relief. His eyes softened as he watched young man take charge, looking after Pallavi with a care that spoke volumes. He could feel the weight lift off his shoulders, knowing that his niece was in good hands, that someone—was there to look after her, especially when he couldn't be.