Taken For Granted

Chapter 26

Arnav's POV

It had been a while since I had been waiting outside the mall, and the reason was special—Pari's birthday was coming up soon. Akash and I had come to pick out a gift for her, and I was standing by the entrance when the distant wail of sirens began to grow louder. A thick plume of smoke soon emerged from the building, and firefighters began to swarm in, their movements urgent and synchronized.

Me (to a firefighter): "Where's the fire?"

Firefighter: "Top floor. It's spreading fast."

The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. Akash was up there, and so was Pari. Without hesitating, I pushed past the firefighters who were momentarily distracted and bolted towards the entrance.

As I reached the stairs, I collided with a woman. For a split second, the touch jolted memories of Khushi, but before I could react, she disappeared into the smoke. Ignoring the brief distraction, I raced up the stairs, the heat growing more intense with every step.

Me (shouting): "Akash! Where's Pari?"

Akash's panic-stricken face turned towards me, his eyes wide with fear.

Akash: "Bhai... I don't know! She was right here!"

Me (furious): "Akash can't you even be a tiny bit responsible... You had to look after Pari for only 15 minutes and you couldn't even do that. How could you Akash? You should learn to be more responsible."

Akash's anger flared in response, **"And you think you're any better? You abandoned her, Bhai! You're the one who walked away! You don't even know what it's like to be here, to be a father!"

His words cut deep, leaving me reeling. The sting of his accusations was almost too much to bear. I wanted to shout back, to tell him that I never wanted to leave, that I was broken and lost, but before I could say anything, a faint cry reached my ears.

Girl (crying): "Bhai, help me!"

I turned to see a small girl, no older than seven, sobbing amidst the flames. Without hesitation, I sprinted towards her, my heart pounding in my chest. She was so close to the flames, her fear palpable. I grabbed a blanket from a nearby store, wrapping her in it as quickly as possible, ignoring the searing pain of the heat against my skin.

Me: "It's okay, I've got you. Let's get you out of here."

As I lifted her, the instant connection I felt was overwhelming—something deep and inexplicable, a bond that reminded me so much of Khushi. I carried her out, the fear in her eyes mirroring the fear in my heart.

Me (worried) - What the!!

Girl (not crying but angry): Mummy said not to say that!! It's bad.

Me (smiling) - Okay dear... tell me why are you crying?

Girl (crying): "Bhai! My Sammy uncle and my dad are still inside!"

Me (worried): "Stay here, I'll find them."

Girl (clinging to me): "No, I want to help!"

Me: "It's too dangerous. You can't come with me."

But before I could argue, I heard a voice, one I knew all too well. I turned to see Aru, running towards another voice, her tiny frame darting through the smoke. She reached the boy, Vivaan, and wrapped her arms around him.

Akash (from behind Vivaan): "Bhai, I'm sorry. I was scared. I should have looked harder."

Without hesitation, I hugged Akash, holding him tightly, the years of distance melting away in that moment.

Aru (smiling): "See Bhai, they're like us. They are babies too."

Boy (trying hard to pretend to be angry) - That's not nice to say... say sorry and why did you leave like that? You know Samrat uncle and Karan uncle were so worried for you. They came downstairs with this uncle (pointing at Akash) just in case you are here.

Aru smiles even wider while the boy smiles as well. Soon two people come behind Akash and then hug the two kids.

First Man (offering a handshake): "Thank you, for saving her. I'm Samrat Shergill."

I shook his hand, still holding Aru close. Vivaan continued to chatter away, oblivious to the world around him. Karan stepped forward, his demeanour sincere.

Karan: "Thank you. Please, let us know if there's anything we can do to repay you."

Me (upset): "I didn't do this for a reward. I helped because it was the right thing to do. And next time, don't try to buy someone's help. I didn't know her, but I didn't need a reason to save her."

Karan looked taken aback, but I didn't have time to dwell on it. As I followed them outside, Pari came running up to me, her tiny arms wrapping around my neck.

Pari: "Bade Papa, I want to go home."

I smiled, holding her tightly, the sense of relief overwhelming. I waved at Karan, who was still comforting the distressed lady, and then left with Pari, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. Akash followed behind, the silent apology in his eyes saying more than words ever could. We walked away from the fire, the chaos behind us, and the bond between us, rekindled in the heat of that moment.

As we walked, I finally spoke up, the guilt and pain in my voice evident, but making sure Pari wasn't near to hear.

Me: "Akash, Pari... she's adopted. She was found on my doorstep when she was just a day old. I wasn't mentally prepared to look after her, so you took her in and did me that favour. I've never forgiven myself for walking away. I'm sorry, Akash. I really am."

Akash looked at me, his eyes softening. Bhai, you don't have to apologise. We're family. That's what we do. I am sorry for saying all those things to you before.

As we reached the car, the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the ruins of the mall. The road ahead was still uncertain, but for the first time in years, I felt a glimmer of hope. Together, we had faced the fire, and together, we would face whatever came next.

Precap - Raizada Mansion