Barrister Babu

Chapter 80: Keth is back!

The drive back home was unbearably quiet.

Anirudh's jaw remained clenched as he drove through the dim evening roads of Tulsipur.

His knuckles had turned white around the steering wheel.

Beside him, Bondita quietly watched his expression.

Still angry.

No, not angry. Scared.

"Patibabu..." she finally spoke softly.

No response. Only the sound of the jeep moving forward.

Bondita sighed faintly. "I know what you are thinking."

Anirudh let out a sharp humorless chuckle. "No, Bondita. You don't."

His voice was calm. Which was honestly worse.

Bondita frowned. "Patibabu—"

"You think this is just another case for me?" he interrupted, eyes still fixed on the road. "You think I am overreacting because Saudamini came back?"

Bondita stayed silent.

Because no, that wasn't what she thought.

Anirudh's grip tightened further. "The moment Heeramandi was mentioned today..." he paused for a second, "...I could only remember you." Bondita softened. "That terrified little girl..."

His voice cracked slightly at the last words.

Bondita slowly reached for his arm gently. "Patibabu, I am okay now."

"But what if you are not?" he snapped.

The jeep stopped abruptly near the empty roadside.

Bondita was confused until Anirudh finally turned toward her fully.

His eyes looked restless. Almost haunted.

"You don't understand the risk," he muttered harshly. "These people are dangerous. Men who sell women to places like Heeramandi don't think twice before hurting someone."

Bondita quietly listened.

"And I know I am not stopping you," he continued frustratedly, running a hand through his hair, "because I know you will fight this case anyway. You always do what you think is right."

There was no accusation in his voice. Only exhausted helplessness.

"But after everything..." his breathing grew uneven, "...after almost losing you so many times already... how am I supposed to stay calm?"

Bondita stared at him silently.

This man loved her so much that fear had become second nature to him.

Slowly, she moved closer and gently held his face. "Patibabu," she whispered softly, "look at me."

His eyes finally met hers.

"I am stronger now."

His jaw tightened.

"I know how cruel the world is now. I know what those places are. I know how to fight."

Anirudh shut his eyes briefly.

Because little Bondita had once walked into danger without understanding how cruel the world could truly be.

But now, she understood everything.

And somehow, that scared him even more.

Bondita slowly caressed his cheek with her thumb. "You taught me to fight for women like Saudamini Didi," she reminded him gently. "Now, how can you expect me to step back?"