Guardian

-:chapter 28:-

Abhimanyu clutched Avyansh tightly to his chest. The boy had finally told him everything. He wouldn't have, but Abhimanyu had made him swear to speak the truth. Though he already knew what had happened, hearing it from Avyansh himself tore at his heart. If only Avyansh had confided in him sooner, he could have done something about it. But he also understood how difficult it must have been for the boy.

Avyansh hugged his Bhaiya tightly as he poured his heart out. He didn't know if he had done the right thing by telling him. What if the man would hurt Abhimanyu? What if he made things worse?

Abhimanyu pulled away from the hug slightly and cupped Avyansh's face. "If anyone says anything to you, will you just believe them baacha, chhod ke chale jaoge mujhe tum?

"They hurt you, Bhaiya... He ... He caused the car blast. What if..." Avyansh's voice broke as tears rolled down his cheeks. "I was scared, Bhaiya... I'm still scared. What if they attack you again? I... I don't want to lose you. I never wanted to hurt you. I'm sorry I said those awful things. He told me... He wanted to separate me from you. But I don't ever want to be away from you, Bhaiya."

Avyansh sobbed, burying his face in his bhaiya's chest, Abhimanyu's eyes burned with anger as he held Avyansh close. Those bastards... they dared to fill his mind with such thoughts. They would pay-tears of blood-for every tear Avyansh shed.

"No one will ever separate you from me, Ansh. Main aisa kabhi hone hi nahi dunga" .

Abhimanyu cupped Avyansh's face again, wiping his tears. "Everything will be fine. Don't worry," he said. Though he couldn't tell the boy everything, he needed to reassure him.

"But what if he attack you again?" Avyansh asked, his voice trembling.

"He won't...........He's in jail."

"What?" Avyansh's eyes widened in shock.

Abhimanyu nodded.

"How do you know? Wait..." Realization dawned on Avyansh, and his voice wavered. "Aapko pehle se sab pata tha?"

Abhimanyu nodded again. "two days ago," he admitted.

Avyansh stared at him.

"He won't trouble you again baccha. I'll make sure of it,"

"I knew you were scared, but don't ever do something like this again," Abhimanyu continued, his voice softening. If anything happens, no matter how small it is, you'll tell me first. Understand?"

Avyansh nodded silently.

"Promise?" Abhimanyu asked, holding out his hand.

"Promise," Avyansh said, placing his hand over his Bhaiya's.

"Give me your phone," Abhimanyu said, extending his hand.

Avyansh handed it over without question. Abhimanyu took out another phone and handed it to him. "Use this from now on. Don't give your number to anyone-not even your friends. Just for a few days, okay?"

Avyansh nodded again, but the guilt still weighed heavily on him. He couldn't shake the feeling that he always hurt the man, the same man who always took care of him, who solved his problems even before he voiced them.

"Stop overthinking, Ansh. Don't let that little brain of yours run too much,"

"Come on, give me a smile,now"

Avyansh managed a small smile, just for his Bhaiya.

And then buried himself in abhimanyu's embrace again, holding him tightly. He sought the warmth that only his bhaiya could provide.