The afternoon sun filtered gently through the window as the storm of emotions slowly settled inside Laxmi's home.
After a moment of silence, Niharika gathered herself and softly said, "It's okay. I'll take the job."
Rishi gave a small nod, barely meeting her eyes. "Good. Here's my office address," he said, handing her a slip of paper. "Take the rest of the day off. Come by at 10 a.m. sharp tomorrow."
He paused, then added, "Tell me your address. I'll drop you off. You've been here since yesterday. Your family must be looking for you."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked inside.
Laxmi watched him go with a soft smile and said to Niharika, "He acts tough, but his heart's softer than he lets on. And just a tip - if he scolds you during work, take it seriously. That's just his way."
She got up. "I'll go start lunch. You take some rest, beta."
Later, as the three of them sat around the dining table, an unusual sense of calm hung in the air. Rishi, without looking directly at Niharika, asked, "How's your health now?"
She gave a faint smile, "Better than before."
"Then maybe it's time I called your family. They must be panicking."
Before Niharika could respond, Laxmi's voice cut in sharply. "No. Her health may be better, but it doesn't mean she's ready to go. What's the rush, Rishi? Can't we keep her safe for a little while longer?"
Rishi laughed lightly. "Aunty, her family must be going crazy. Their daughter has been missing for days. She hasn't even called them."
Niharika lowered her eyes and said softly, "I... I can't go home."
Rishi's smile faded. "Why not?"
She hesitated, then quickly added, "My home is in a small village, in another city. I came here for a job, but got lost... and then those men... you saved me.
" Laxmi stood firm. "Then there's nothing more to discuss. She's staying here. No arguments."
Rishi didn't push further. "Okay," he said simply, and excused himself from the table.
Niharika went upstairs to rest but ended up on the terrace, breathing in the open air. The city buzzed below, yet something felt off. Her gaze drifted toward the street - two men stood there, eyes fixed on her. Cold, unreadable.
Their eyes met. One of them suddenly shouted, "That's her! Catch her!"
Niharika froze. Panic surged through her chest. She turned and bolted down the stairs, heart pounding. Laxmi saw her rushing in, her face pale with fear.
"What happened, beta?" Laxmi asked, alarmed.
Before Niharika could speak, the doorbell rang.
Laxmi opened the door.
Two unfamiliar men barged in without warning, shoving her aside.
"Who are you! What is this madness?!" Laxmi shouted.
They didn't answer. One grabbed Niharika's arm roughly. "You're coming with us."
"No!" she cried, struggling.
Laxmi ran to stop them, but they pushed her to the floor. "Let me go!" Niharika screamed.
"Shut up and move!" one of the men growled.
They dragged her outside, but just as they reached the street -
SLAP!
A hand struck one of the men across the face.
All eyes turned.
Rishi stood there, jaw tight, fists clenched.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" he demanded. "How dare you enter our home and touch her like this?"
The second man lunged at him but Rishi was faster. He blocked the punch, twisted the man's arm, and knocked him down with a solid blow. The first man tried to jump in, but Rishi slammed him against the wall. Blood trickled from the man's nose.
"Stop! Stop, bhai!" the man cried, staggering to his feet.
Both men, bruised and breathing hard, backed away.
"You don't know who we are," one of them hissed. "And you don't know what that girl has told you."
Rishi's glare didn't waver.
"We'll be back. Not alone next time - we'll come with her father. And then we'll see how long you play hero. You don't know what her father is capable of. Pray he doesn't find out she's here."
They limped away, spitting threats behind them.
Laxmi had stepped out by then. She saw everything - Rishi.
standing between the girl and danger , like a shield . Her eyes shimmered with quiet pride.
Rishi didn't speak. He looked at Niharika-shaken, but standing.
The wind picked up slightly, brushing past them like a whisper. It carried no fear now, only change.
To be continued....