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Author pov

Sugandha was missing rudra already. Every small thing reminds her of him. She sighed heavily, knowing that this was going to be a lot tougher than she had anticipated.

At night, she was cuddling the pillow that still had his smell. She couldn't sleep; she was worrying about his well-being. She wished to keep in contact with him at all times, but it's not possible, he's too busy and too far away.

She somehow fell asleep and woke up early in the morning. She took a shower, and she didn't have any mood to get ready. She only ever adorn herself for him, for his gaze only. Now that he's not here, she doesn't even feel like it. She just put on a bindi and sindoor.

While cooking, she kept zoning out. Tulasi and Nalini noticed it. They felt bad for her, since she never experienced such a thing after their marriage.

"Bhabhi, don't keep that face. You're looking like a helpless child. Bhaiya will return soon enough and safely." Nalini tried to reassure her.

"I just have a bad feeling. While stepping out of my room, my mangalsutra got stuck in the door gap. I…it almost…" she couldn't finish her sentence.

"Hayee, ram! You should be more careful, Sugandha. It was just an accident, you shouldn't worry too much. Not everything is associated with negativity." Tulasi tried to calm her overthinking down.

Sugandha nodded reluctantly, trying to subdue her imagination.

"How's your health now?" Sugandha asked tulasi as she was very concerned for her.

"I'm feeling a bit better today, the fever just keeps coming back. Indra ji said that he'll take me to the hospital. I'll be fine." Tulasi spoke while eating some fruits.

She smiled, she thought that Tulasi was an angel. She can't believe that her parents were such rascals— well, sugandha's aren't the best either, but compared to Tulasi's… They're not bad.

She wanted to tell Tulasi about the whole Keshav and Nalini situation but…. She doesn't know how tulasi will react. She also promised Nalini that she'll keep quiet.

Meanwhile, Rudra was busy trying to track the exact location of those assholes, but it was very hard. It was as if they had the control of most of the people. No one was telling the truth nor opening their mouths.

Rudra was feeling frustrated and helpless. He didn't know what to do, he hoped that Indra would soon join him and help him out.

Time skip

It's been 3 days and still no clue. Rudra was now furious and boiling. He visited Krishna and Gauri every single day and bought them stuff. He urged Krishna to join school and that he'll pay the fees and everything. He was a very, very smart kid; Rudra was confident that he'd ace studies.

Sugandha was feeding the birds, and suddenly she heard the gate opening. Her ears perked up, and she was hoping that Rudra would be back early. She ran towards the gate and…. Her face fell. It was Mohan, Rudra's friend.

"Areey, sugandha. I came to see you." Mohan said while stepping towards her.

"But why?" Sugandha asked while covering her face with the pallu.

"The same producer wants to see you again, he will feature your voice in his new movie song. Isn't that exciting??" He spoke with a grin.

Sugandha was really happy to hear that. "Really?? Another one??" She asked with such enthusiasm.

"Yes, and there are rumors that this movie is going to be a big hit. This is your opportunity for something bigger." Mohan tried to explain the whole situation to Sugandha. She was listening to him very attentively.

"I… I will do it." She can't miss this opportunity, it was her dream to be in this situation. To become a well-known singer.

"Let's go then" Mohan said while walking towards the gate.

"Wait… now!?" Sugandha was surprised.

"Yes, now. If you don't go, then he'll try to find someone else." She bit her lower lip in turmoil. She never stepped out of the house without Rudra. He told her not to go anywhere and to stay inside the house, no matter what.

"This is your golden opportunity, don't think about anything else. I'll drop you home safely." Mohan says with a genuine smile.

She didn't know what to do, her heart was racing. She can't decide. Her dream opportunity or the promise to her husband.

She closed her eyes and tried to think of possibilities. Her dream to become a well-known singer was pulling her to cross the boundaries and just go… and catch the golden opportunity.

She opened her eyes slowly and let out a sigh. "Let's… go." She informed Nalini and Anuja about her departure. Ofcourse, anuja was against it, but Nalini somehow convinced her.

Mohan started his motorcycle engine. "Get on, sugandha." He urged her to hurry up.

Sugandha never ever imagined that she'd sit behind some other man other than Rudra. She started feeling guilty that she's doing this without informing Rudra. She hesitantly sat behind Mohan and kept her cloth bag in between them, maintaining… a lot of distance.

Just like that, they left. Sugandha decided that she'll explain the whole situation when Rudra comes back.

Rudra's pov

I was talking to some local men, and then I heard the gate opening; I glanced around. It was Indra Bhaiya. Now I felt a bit of relief.

"How's Bhabhi, Bhaiya?" I asked him, concerned.

"She's fine now. Did you find any clue?" He asked and sighed in disappointment.

"No… no one is opening their mouths. I even tried to threaten them, but nothing worked. I so want to break their bones," I spoke while glaring at those local men.

"It's okay, the truth will eventually come out. One way or the other." Indra bhaiya said while clicking his knuckles.

As we were busy talking, I heard a voice behind me. Which brought an immediate smile to my face.

"Saheb ji! Saheb ji!" Krishna came running towards me with a big grin.

"What happened, Krishna??" I asked while holding his little arms. He was panting hard; he must've run all the way here.

"I won first prize in running," he said, jumping while showing me his prize; it was a cup. He looked so happy.

"Good job. I'm proud of you." I caressed his hair and patted his cheek.

"Now I'm going to drink water from this every day!!" He said while sipping the empty cup.

I chuckled at his antics; he was such a bright kid. He then glanced at my brother with a confused look as Bhaiya was looking at us with a smile.

"Who's he, saheb? He's wearing the same clothes as you," Krishna asked, puzzled.

"He's my brother; just like you took care of your sister, he took care of me." My words immediately elicited an oo sound from him.

"That means I'm going to be like him when I grow up??" He asked with curiosity, and I chuckled.

Indra bhaiya ruffled his hair. "You're going to be like Rudra. Mature and kind-hearted." Indra bhaiya spoke lovingly, and he indirectly complimented me.

"I'd be glad, Saheb. I also want to help people and treat my sister well. " Krishna spoke while sitting next to me.

I smiled and let him sit there. As we were talking, Krishna meddled in.

"I know the guy that you guys are talking about. "He's my owner, where I work." My eyes widened. He was the main suspect, and how did I miss such a crucial step? I should've inquired of the kid at the start. I made a big blunder.

"Can you take us to him??" I asked, and he nodded.

"But why do you want to meet him, saheb?" Krishna asked with curiosity.

"Because he's a bad guy. I need to catch him." Krishna went quiet…

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"My owner never stays at the shed. I and other kids my age work there. I rarely see him, but… he beats his wife. He has a son who is of your age, he's an alcoholic." I listened to him attentively. I could feel the anger boiling inside me with each word.

"A.. after my parents died, he bought me from a different village. I complied, thinking he was a good man who wanted to give me some food and shelter, but…. He rarely ever pays me." I hugged Krishna as he looked like he was about to cry, his little form was shaking. I could never imagine losing your parents at such a young age, and he also has a sister. Who's just 1 year old.

"I decided that no matter what… I'll never let my sister feel the same. I always want to be there for her." I kept rubbing his back.

"You will, and you both will have a bright future. I promise you that." I reassured him.

"Saheb, let's go. I'll show you the route." I nodded, and he hopped on my motorcycle.

I want to tear off their bones, such bastards don't deserve to live. I will definitely do it.

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