Threads of Destiny

4-Reluctant Paths

As Kali's knees buckled, Barun's instincts kicked in, and he caught her just in time, his arms closing around her like a vice. Though she lost consciousness in his arms, Barun's emotions swirled in a maelstrom of anger and an unfamiliar anxiety. His eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched, as he struggled to reconcile the conflicting emotions warring within him. Ishita's voice cut through the tension, her words laced with concern. "Barun, maybe we should call for help. You can lay her on that bench over there." But Barun's gaze remained fixed on Kali's pale face, his eyes burning with a mixture of anger and a deep-seated concern. He felt an overwhelming urge to protect her, to shield her from harm.

Without a word, Barun scooped Kali up in his arms, his movements surprisingly gentle. Ishita's eyes widened in surprise, but she said nothing, merely watching as Barun carefully made his way back to the villa. The tension in his body was palpable, his muscles coiled with a mix of emotions he couldn't quite understand. As he walked, the only sound was the soft rustle of Kali's clothes against his chest, and the heavy beating of his own heart.

As Barun entered the villa, Giriraj and Rekha's conversation with their friends came to an abrupt halt. Their eyes widened in alarm as they took in the sight of Barun cradling a woman in his arms. The woman's face was pale, her eyes closed, and her dark hair cascaded down Barun's arm like a waterfall of night.Without a word, Giriraj and Rekha followed Barun into the villa, their faces etched with concern. Barun gently laid her on the sofa, his eyes locked on her face as if willing her to wake up. His mind was a jumble of worry and confusion. A servant hastily appeared with a glass of water, and Barun splashed some on the Kali's face. The cool liquid seemed to stir her, and slowly, her eyes fluttered open. She looked around, her gaze darting wildly as she took in the unfamiliar faces. Panic etched her features, and she struggled to sit up, but Barun's firm hand on her shoulder restrained her. As she scanned the room, recognition dawned, and her panic subsided slightly. Her eyes locked onto Barun's face, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension.

Rekha, sitting beside her, asked softly, "How are you feeling now?"

Kali's voice was barely above a whisper as she murmured, "Namaste." Her eyes, still cloudy with confusion, slowly focused on the faces around her. As her gaze landed on Barun and Ishita, a spark of anger ignited within her. Her face darkened, and her eyes flashed with a fierce intensity.Without a word, Kali sprang to her feet, her movements abrupt and jerky. She strode towards the door, her eyes fixed on the exit, as if desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere. But Rekha's gentle hand on her arm halted her in her tracks."Please, wait," Rekha said, her voice soft and soothing. "Have something to eat before you go. You look like you could faint at any moment." Rekha's eyes, filled with concern, searched Kali's face. "What happened, child? You look like you've been through an ordeal."

Tears welled up in Kali's eyes as she whispered, "My friend betrayed me." She choked on the biscuit Rekha had given her, leaving the tea unfinished as she tried to leave again. This time, Rekha insisted, "Barun will drive you wherever you need to go." She signaled to her son, who, despite his reluctance, saw the seriousness in his mother's eyes.

As Kali stepped out into the cool evening air, the darkness seemed to swallow her whole. She began walking down the deserted road, her footsteps echoing off the silence. But Barun's voice cut through the stillness, his words a command rather than a request."Kali, wait! Get in the car, I'll drop you," he called after her, his engine purring to life as he waited for her response.But Kali didn't even break stride. Her shoulders squared, her head held high, she replied over her shoulder, "My scooty is near the pond. I'll walk there."The only response was the soft hum of the engine, Barun waiting for her to change her mind. But Kali didn't glance back, didn't falter. She just kept walking, the darkness closing in around her like a shroud.