Page 82 of Shattered

He arches an eyebrow. “So, you know who I am? Good. Now let me make myself clear. I want you to keep the cops away. Yourgirlfriend here didn’t listen to my warning, but you seem smart enough to follow my orders and ensure they stay out of my way.”

“First, you need to let go of the girls,” I growl.

“I am not letting them go until you call off the cops and ensure they don’t come here. Then we can talk,” he snaps back at me.

Before I can say another word, Officer Viraj bursts into the room, firing a shot that hits Prakash square in the arm. He howls in pain as the gun slips from his grasp, and he collapses to the floor. I rush to Kavya while Sidharth hurries to Nisha’s side. At the same time, Officer Viraj moves in swiftly, restraining and handcuffing Prakash.

My hands fumble slightly as I remove the gag and untie Kavya’s wrists, hugging her tightly the second she’s free. She sobs uncontrollably, her face buried in my neck, clutching onto me as if I might disappear. The sound of other officers fills the room, and I catch a glimpse of Prakash being dragged away. Before he’s taken out, he turns, his furious eyes locking onto mine. I glare back, silently telling him his game is over and that I’ll make sure nothing saves him from rotting in jail this time. I give Officer Viraj a sharp nod, urging him to get that scumbag out of our sight for good.

“Nisha needs a doctor now. I’m taking her to the hospital,” Sidharth calls out, carrying Nisha in his arms. At the mention of her sister, Kavya pulls back, her eyes filled with panic.

“Nisha,” she whispers, trying to rush to Sidharth, who is on his way out the door, but I hold her arms,stopping her from leaving. She struggles to break free, but I don’t loosen my grip.

“I need to go to my sister,”she pleads, her teary eyes pleading with me.

“Sidharth’s got her, sweetheart. He’ll take care of her,” I reassure her, gently cupping her face.“But first, I need to knowyou’re okay.” My gaze scans her face, looking for any sign that she might be hurt.

“I’m okay,” she whispers with a weak nod, trying to manage a smile, but the tears still stream down her cheeks.

“We need to get you checked by the doctor to make sure you and our baby are doing fine,” I say softly, my hand resting on her belly.

She shakes her head. “I don’t need a doctor. I just need to be with my sister.”

I tighten my grip on her cheek, hoping she could see through the ache in my heart and understand my worry. “I promise you’ll see her soon, but sweetheart, you’re carrying our little one. We have to make sure that our baby is safe first. Please, let the doctor check on you. I need you both to be okay.”

Her eyes fill with more tears as she gazes at me. “I know you’re worried, and I am too. But I can’t stop thinking about my sister. I need to know she’s okay. I just... I don’t know how to balance this worry. Please, she’s woken up after so long. Just let me go seeher,” she pleads, her voice trembling between fear and frustration.

I gently brush a tear from her cheek, my voice soft but firm. “I understand how much she means to you, and I am so sorry you’re going through this. But right now, our baby needs you to be strong. Once the doctor checks you, I promise we’ll go see your sister together. I need you to trust me on this. Please, just a little longer.” Carefully, I lift her bridal style, and she wraps her arms around my neck.

“Okay, I’ll do it. But please, don’t make me wait too long. I can’t bear the thought of her being alone, and I need to know she’s alright. I am trusting you, so please don’t let me down,” she clings to me, her voice trembling.

“I won’t,” I assure her, carrying her down the stairs and out of the house.

“I love you so much,” she breathes against my neck.

“I love you too, more than you can possibly imagine.” I kiss her temple.

As soon as we reach the front door, Karan pulls up with the car. He opens the door, and I gently place Kavya inside before slipping into the back seat with her.Pulling her close to me, I let her head rest on my chest as I hold her tightly against me.

“Hospital,” I bark the moment Karan is behind the steering wheel.

“Relax, I’m safe,” Kavya assures me, her hand resting on my cheek as she senses my worry.

I glance down at her, my heart still pounding. “I was so close to losing you.”

“But you didn’t lose me. I’m here in your arms, safe,” she says as shenestles into me, her warmth soothing the last of my panic.

“And I’ll always make sure it stays that way, as long as I’m breathing,” I vow, kissing her forehead.

She gazes at me, her eyes filled with affection. “I will never get tired of telling you how incredibly lucky I feel to have found you. You’re my rock, my safe place. I can’t imagine my life without you; you make me feel cherished and strong in ways I never thought possible. With you by my side, I know I can handle just about anything.”

“I feel the exact same way. I’m beyond grateful to have you in my life. You’re the heartbeat of my life, and I love you more than words can express.” I tighten my hold on her, breathing in her comforting scent, reminding myself that the worst is behind us and only happiness lies ahead from now on.

As we arrive at the hospital, Kavya is taken into the examination room, while I’m waiting outside, pacing in the hallway.Sidharth joins me shortly after, his face a little more relaxed. He fills me in on Nisha’s condition, saying that she’sdoing well. The doctors are confirming that she’s recovering now that she’s out of the coma.

I exhale slowly, grateful for the good news, knowing it will lift a huge weight off Kavya’s shoulders.

I call Sunita Aunty to let her know both Kavya and Nisha are safe. A sense of relief washes over me, knowing the nightmare is finally over, but at the same time, concern grips me, knowing this ordeal will haunt both the girls for a long time to come. And the strain it will placeon Kavya, especially with her being pregnant... Damn, I don’t know how I’m going to handle it. But no matter what, I promise myself one thing—I’ll do whatever it takes to keep that beautiful smile on her face. She won’t ever have to feel unsafe or afraid ever again. No matter what, I’ll be there for her.Always.

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