VAANI - His Deadliest Desire

CHAPTER 28

The forest was alive with chaos.

The rain fell in angry torrents, slicing through the darkness like shards of glass. The thunder rolled above them, loud and merciless, shaking the ground with every strike.

Vikram's shirt clung to his skin, soaked and heavy as he pushed through the wet foliage, his grip firm around Vaani who was shivering against his chest. Her fever made her weak, her breath uneven, but she clung to him, one hand fisted in his collar as if letting go meant death itself.

Branches snapped under his boots. The path ahead was nothing but mud and shadows. Lightning flashed, illuminating the outline of trees that looked like monsters in the dark.

"Mr. Si-Singhania..." her voice trembled, barely audible over the rain. "You should leave me here"

"No," he cut her off, tightening his hold. "I won't. I won't them get to you"

Her heart thudded painfully. "Them?" she whispered.

Vikram's jaw clenched, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper. "The driver. The men from the lodge. They were paid to kidnap us or may be me."

Vaani's eyes widened, fear flooding her veins. "Wh-why?"

"I don't know yet," he growled, glancing behind them. "But I'll be damned if I let them touch you."

A crack of thunder made her flinch, her nails digging into his shoulder. Her wrist throbbed painfully, but the excursion kept her from saying a word. Vikram's gaze softened just for a second when he looked down at her pale face.

"Hold on to me," he said, voice low but firm. "We'll get through this."

He adjusted his hold, lifting her in his arms again despite her protest. The rain plastered her hair to her face, her clothes drenched, but she didn't fight him this time. She could feel his heart pounding against her fast, strong, determined.

They moved deeper into the woods, the storm howling around them. Mud splashed under his feet, and every step was a battle against exhaustion. But he didn't stop.

A branch cracked somewhere behind them. Vikram froze, his pulse spiking. Through the storm, he heard faint voices muffled but close.

"Find them! They couldn't have gone far!"

Vaani's breath hitched, her fingers tightening around his arm. Vikram looked around, his eyes scanning the darkness until he spotted a rocky incline ahead.

"There," he muttered.

He ran, his lungs burning, his muscles screaming. The rain made it slippery, but he climbed, pressing Vaani close against him to shield her from the cold. When they reached a small outcrop hidden behind a thick growth of vines, he set her down gently.

"Stay quiet," he whispered, crouching beside her.

Vaani nodded, her teeth chattering as she hugged her knees. Her eyes followed Vikram's silhouette as he peered through the curtain of rain, his jaw set, eyes sharp — a man who looked ready to fight death itself.

When the voices grew distant, she finally spoke, her voice breaking. "Y- you... you could've left."

He turned to her, his expression unreadable in the dim flashes of lightning. Then he leaned closer, his voice a low murmur against the storm.

"I don't leave people behind, Ms. Sharma. Especially not you."

Something in his tone made her chest tighten. She wanted to look away, but his gaze held her - fierce, protective, unwavering.

A tear escaped her eye, mixing with the rain on her cheek. "Why are you doing this? You should be saving your life while you have a chance" she asked softly.

He didn't answer immediately. His hand came up, brushing her wet hair away from her face, his thumb resting briefly against her temple.

"Because..." he whispered, his voice rough, "I want to. I can and so will I."

Before she could respond, a sudden flash of light a flashlight sliced through the dark, followed by a man's shout.

"They're here!"

"Run!" Vikram hissed, grabbing her hand.

And just like that, they were moving again through the mud, the rain, the roaring wind. His fingers never left hers, even when the world around them felt like it was falling apart.

Because somehow, amidst the chaos, he knew one thing for certain .... he'd protect her, no matter what it cost him.

Branches whipped against their faces as they ran. The ground beneath them was slippery, unforgiving. Vaani stumbled once, twice but Vikram didn't let go.

A shout echoed behind them.

"There! Don't let them get away!"

Vikram cursed under his breath. They were too close.

Before they could make another turn, three figures emerged from the shadows ahead, cutting off their path. Masks. Weapons. Intent.

Vikram's grip tightened around Vaani's hand.

"Stay behind me," he said quietly, stepping forward.

"Mr. Sin-"

"Behind me," he repeated, firmer this time.

The first man lunged.

Vikram didn't hesitate. His fist collided with the man's jaw, sending him stumbling back. Another came from the side - Vikram blocked, twisted his arm, drove his knee into his stomach.

Even outnumbered, he fought like a man who had nothing to lose.

"Get the girl!" one of them barked.

Vaani's heart pounded. Her vision blurred for a second fever, fear, exhaustion but she forced herself to stay conscious.

One of the men rushed toward her.

Her eyes darted around and landed on a thick fallen branch.

She grabbed it.

The man reached for her but then

Crack.

The branch slammed against his forehead.

He staggered back with a curse, blood mixing with rain as it trickled down his face.

For a second, everything froze.

Then his expression twisted into pure rage.

"You"

He pulled out a knife and lunged toward her. Vaani's breath hitched.

This was it. I am going to die...Would I see my mom and dad? Will i finally find peace?

But before the blade could reach her....

"Vaani!"

Vikram shoved himself between them. The knife sank into his side. A sharp, sickening sound.

Vaani's scream tore through the storm. "Vikram!"

He staggered, his body going rigid for a second before the pain registered.

But he didn't fall.

He didn't even step back.

Instead, he grabbed the man by the collar and slammed him into the ground with a force that spoke of pure adrenaline.

Another man raised a gun.

The trigger clicked-

*Bang*

Next Update - Friday