#1 in the London Universe series:
Anaya Oberoi, a final-year student at a prestigious college in India, was thrilled to be selected for a student exchange at King's College London. But there was a catch-she had to live with foster parents. To her su...
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The moment we reached the hospital, Anaya was whisked away to the emergency room. I tried to follow, but a nurse held me back. Her words blurred as she explained that only medical staff were allowed beyond that point. I stood frozen, my heart pounding so loudly it drowned out everything around me.
I could still see her face in my mind—the pale, lifeless expression, the bruises that marred her soft skin, the cuts that spoke of agony I couldn't even begin to fathom. My hands trembled as I clenched them into fists. Each mark on her body felt like a blow to my chest, a brutal reminder that I hadn't been there to protect her when she needed me most.
Her parents arrived moments later, their faces etched with the kind of fear and grief that only parents could know. Her mother was crying, barely able to stand without support. Her father tried to remain strong, but his hands shook as he rubbed his temples, his eyes distant. Aniket, her brother, arrived shortly after, his usual composure shattered. He didn't say a word, just nodded at me before joining their parents.
I couldn't stay there. The suffocating air of the hospital and the guilt gnawing at my insides were too much. I muttered something about needing to step out and left before anyone could stop me.
The drive to the police station was a blur. My vision was clouded with red—anger, frustration, and helplessness all swirling into one. When I arrived, I didn't wait for permission or protocol. I stormed in, demanding to see him.
Varun.
He was sitting in a holding cell, wearing a smug expression that made my blood boil. He looked up when I approached, his gaze locking with mine, and for a split second, I thought I saw the faintest flicker of fear. But then the smirk returned. That damned smirk.
"You think this is over?" I growled, my voice low and dangerous. My fists slammed against the bars, making him flinch. "You think these walls will protect you? You don't get to walk away from this. You don't get to breathe while she suffers."
The smirk faltered, replaced by something more nervous. He opened his mouth to say something, but I wasn't interested in hearing it.
"Sir, step back!" an officer barked, grabbing my arm.
I shook him off, my glare fixed on Varun. "You'll pay for this," I promised, my voice trembling with rage. "Every second of your pathetic life, you'll pay."
The officer stepped between us, his tone firmer this time. "That's enough. Let the law handle it."
I wanted to argue, but deep down, I knew standing here and yelling wouldn't help Anaya. With one last glare at Varun, I turned and stormed out.
When I returned to the hospital, Aniket was pacing the hallway, his jaw clenched and his hands balled into fists. He looked up when I entered, his usually guarded expression betraying a mix of anger and helplessness. For the first time, I saw a flicker of vulnerability in him—a brother who had failed to protect his sister.
