Selfish Desires

chapter 51

Chapter 51

Hello everyone,  sorry I couldn't update for a long time, you might be aware of my infection which I'm suffering from.

Today's chapter is literally on 8835 words. I got to know how many are suffering from Wattpad gitch and suffering.

All I can say is that my health is not well so is my state of mind. Writing is my key interest and your response is soothing  my mental health .

Flashback,

The shrill ring of the doorbell in the dead of night had been the first crack in their peaceful world. Fifteen-year-old Arjun, woken from a sound sleep, had padded sleepily towards the living room, his parents already there, their faces etched with concern.

Before Arav could open the door, it splintered inward with a violent crash, revealing a group of menacing figures silhouetted against the dim porch light. Fear, cold and sharp, pierced through Arjun.

"June, Arjun, get back!" Arav roared, his police training kicking in instantly. He shoved them towards the small alcove near the kitchen, his hand protectively on Arjun's shoulder.

June's face was a mask of terror, but her eyes held a fierce determination. "Arav, be careful!" she cried, her voice trembling.

"I will," he promised, his gaze locked on the intruders who were now advancing into the living room. "Just stay here, both of you."

June pulled Arjun close, her embrace tight. Tears streamed down her face as she rained frantic kisses on his forehead and his cheeks. "My baby, my Arjun," she sobbed, her touch desperate, almost frantic. "Be safe, my love. Be brave."

Before Arjun could fully comprehend her actions, she was pushing him firmly into the small store room beside the alcove. He stumbled, turning back to see her locking the door from the outside, her face a blur of tears and resolve.

"Mama! Papa!" Arjun screamed, banging his fists against the solid wood. "Let me out! What are you doing?"

He heard the muffled sounds of shouting, the sickening thud of blows, and his father's strained voice. Panic clawed at his throat. He kicked at the door, his young body fueled by terror, but it wouldn't budge. He was trapped, forced to listen to the sounds of violence that were tearing his world apart.

"Mama! Papa!" he continued to yell, his voice hoarse, tears blurring his vision. He rattled the handle, and kicked the panels, desperate to break free and help his parents.

Then, just as the sounds from the living room seemed to reach a horrifying crescendo, the storeroom door finally burst open. But it wasn't his parents who stood there.

A kind but grim-faced man, a familiar figure in a police uniform, stood in the doorway. It was Deva, his father's close friend and colleague. Behind him were several other policemen, their expressions sombre.

Deva looked at Arjun with a profound sorrow that the boy couldn't understand. "Arjun, son..." he began, his voice heavy with grief.

Confused and terrified, Arjun stumbled out of the small room, his eyes darting towards the living room. And then he saw them.

His strong, brave father, lying still amidst the shattered furniture. And his beloved mother, her face peaceful even in death, a dark stain blooming on her chest. The scene swam before his eyes, the reality of their lifeless forms crashing down on him with brutal finality. The world tilted again, the silence deafening this time, broken only by Arjun's own strangled sob.

End of Flashback

The comfortable darkness of their penthouse bedroom was shattered by a sudden, choked cry. Kavya stirred beside Arjun, her sleep-softened features creasing with concern as she felt his body tense and begin to tremble. He was slick with sweat, his breathing ragged and shallow.