God Is Women

chapter 26

Next Morning

Ishni POV

I blinked my eyes open slowly, the golden light from the curtains spilling across the bed. My body ached... especially down there.

I winced slightly, stretching just enough to feel the soreness from last night and instantly buried my face in the pillow.

"God, Rudra..." I whispered under my breath, cheeks heating up at the memories.

I turned to reach for him-but the space beside me was empty.

The sheets still smelled like him, warm and musky, but he was gone.

I frowned slightly, rubbing my eyes and sitting up slowly.

The duvet slipped down, revealing the faded chocolate stains on my nightwear, and I groaned softly, burying my head in my hands.

"Chaotic man..." I murmured, smiling despite myself.

Just then my phone pinged.

I blinked and reached for it.

It was a mail from my assistant:

"Ma'am, as you instructed, all legal documents for Naina's case are ready. Court date approval is in process. I'll update you within an hour."

Keeping my phone aside, I slowly, very slowly, stood up.

Every step I took felt like a reminder of last night's sin session. "Uff... Rudra Singh Rajput, you're dangerous," I muttered under my breath, waddling slightly to the bathroom like a sore kitten.

After a good amount of time - a warm bath, some soothing balm and a lot of internal screaming later - I finally came out, wrapped in a towel, expecting my husband to be there, maybe with breakfast or at least a guilty look. But no.

This man was nowhere to be found.

"Huh? Where on the earth this man go!!" I scoffed, walking toward the wardrobe and picking out something loose and comfortable - a soft oversized t-shirt and cotton pyjamas.

I looked at myself in the mirror and froze.

Gosh

My eyes widened.

"Hickeyyy...?!"

I pulled the shirt's collar to the side.

"Here too??" I pulled the other side. "And here!?"

"OH MY GOD. Ye banda pyaar karta hai ya khoon nikalta hai??"

My entire neck... upper chest... all the way to my collarbones... looked like I had been in a one-sided fight with a very passionate vampire.

I picked up a scarf dramatically.

"This man is a menace," I muttered, wrapping it around my neck like a Victorian widow.

And then-just like the audacity he carries-he walked in.

Hair messy. White shirt with sleeves rolled up. That smirk dancing on his lips like he didn't just ruin me last night and vanish like a criminal.

"Jaan... were you missing me?" he asked, casually tossing his watch on the side table like some rom-com hero.

I blinked.

"ARE. YOU. SERIOUS!?" I pointed toward my neck. "Look what you've done!"

His eyes lazily dragged over me - first to the scarf, then to the barely-concealed bruises, and finally to my face.

He grinned. That infuriating grin.

"You're welcome," he said.

My jaw dropped. "Welcome?! Rudra Singh Rajput, I look like I got attacked by a very horny octopus!"

He walked toward me slowly, hands in pockets like he owned every damn inch of this house - and well, unfortunately, he did own every inch of me too.

He stopped right in front of me. "You're glowing."

"I'm dying," I deadpanned.

He gently pulled the scarf down, his fingers brushing my skin.

"You say dying... but your body's still reacting like this," he whispered, leaning dangerously close to my ear.

"Rudra..." I warned.

"Yes, my jaan?" he said, his voice way too sinful for this early in the morning.

I pointed a finger at his chest. "You better keep your lips, tongue, and that devil smirk at least three feet away until my skin returns to a socially acceptable color."

He kissed my finger. "No promises."

I pushed past him, snatching the coffee cup he was hiding behind his back. "Then you're sleeping on the couch tonight."

He called behind me, "I'll take the couch, the floor, or even the damn rooftop if it comes with a view of you."

I paused at the doorway, sipping the coffee, and turned halfway.

"Shut up, cheesy Singh Rajput."

He didn't even flinch.

One moment I was sipping my coffee and throwing threats-next moment I was in the air.

"Rudra!!" I squealed, half-shocked, half-exhausted.

He chuckled, that deep, rumbling sound vibrating through his chest as he leaned in and softly pecked my lips. "Ufff... jaan, kya hua?" he asked with that dangerously smug smirk that should be illegal.

"I thought my wife would be tired," he continued, effortlessly carrying me bridal-style, "after her husband loved her so much..." he winked.

My eyes widened. "Rudra-"

"That's why," he cut me off smoothly, "I have to carry you for breakfast. You deserve royal service."

I face-palmed against his chest. "This is not royal service, this is drama."

"I call it romance," he said casually, like he hadn't turned my whole body into a hickey canvas just hours ago.

I huffed but didn't stop snuggling into him.

"Next time," I mumbled, "I'm charging you per kiss."

"Then I'll go bankrupt... happily," he whispered near my ear.

He carried me down the hallway, and I couldn't stop the smile blooming on my face.

He gently placed me on the chair like I was made of glass, then crouched beside me instead of taking his own seat. His brows were furrowed, his eyes scanning my face with that typical Rudra-level intensity.

I closed my eyes for a second, exhaling softly as a small ache stirred through my muscles. Maybe last night's chocolate adventure was a bit... too adventurous.

"Jaan?" his voice was soft but laced with concern. "Are you okay? Should I call the doctor?"

I opened my eyes instantly, shaking my head. "No... I'm fine, just-"

"No," he cut me off before I could even finish, his hand reaching up to brush a strand of hair from my face. "You're not fine. I know you."

I sighed. "Rudra... I'm okay. Just... a little exhausted."

He looked at me like I'd just told him I'd run a marathon barefoot on fire. "You should've told me to stop..."

I blinked. "Are you seriously blaming yourself for this now?"

He folded his arms. "You moaned 'Rudra don't stop' at least seven times."

I choked on my breath. "Do you-do you count them?!"

He leaned in, whispering near my ear with a sinful smirk. "Every sound you make is engraved in me, jaan."

"Rudra!" I hissed, cheeks flushed red. I pushed him away gently. "You're impossible."

He laughed under his breath but stood up and took the bowl of porridge from the table.

"Fine," he said. "You'll rest. I'll feed you."

"I can eat myself."

He raised an eyebrow. "Did you say the same thing last night too?"

I stared at him, deadpan. "...Rudra."

He grinned. "Say 'aah'."

I gave up. There was no winning with this man.

Rudra was just about to feed me another spoonful when my phone buzzed loudly on the table. I quickly grabbed it and saw my assistant's name flashing across the screen.

"Good morning, ma'am," his voice came through, alert and slightly hurried.

I straightened in my seat. "Morning. What's the matter?"

"Mam, the court has accepted the case," he said, and my heart skipped a beat. "The hearing is scheduled for tomorrow. We'll need to be present first thing in the morning."

For a moment, I just stared ahead, letting that sink in.

"Tomorrow..." I whispered, then nodded, voice firming. "Alright. Send me the time and courtroom number. And make sure all the documents are in place. This case is delicate-we can't afford any mistake."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll prepare everything today and keep it on your desk."

I cut the call and placed the phone down slowly.

Rudra, who had been silently watching me, finally spoke. "The case?"

I met his eyes. "Tomorrow's the hearing."

Rudra's hand tightened around mine gently, his gaze never leaving my face. "Jaan... are you ready? Are you okay?"

I looked at him for a second-those eyes, always full of concern, always watching over me. I smiled softly and leaned forward to rest my forehead against his.

"Rudra... I'm always ready," I whispered, "and this time... maybe a little extra ready-because I have my husband beside me."

His lips curled into a smile, the kind that made my heart flutter even after all this time. "I'm always with you," he murmured, "no matter what."

He pressed a kiss to my forehead, lingering a little longer this time, like sealing a silent vow between us.

"No matter how dark the fight gets," he added, his voice lower now, serious, "I'll be your light in it. And if anyone tries to dim it..." his jaw tightened slightly, "they'll answer to me."

I nodded slowly, that familiar warmth blooming in my chest. With him-I wasn't just fighting. I was winning already.

Time skip.

The sun had already set, casting a mellow orange hue across the city skyline. I closed the final file on my desk, neatly clipping together the documents I'd spent all day organizing. Every detail-every evidence, witness statement, and supporting law-was now in order.

Tomorrow was important. No-tomorrow was everything.

Rudra had been out the whole day for something he called "important business," though he didn't tell me much. Not that I minded. We both had our wars to fight-just in different ways.

I stayed at home, buried in files and emotions.

I'd called Naina's parents earlier and informed them to be present at the courthouse by 9:30 sharp.

Her father's voice trembled when he said thank you.

Her mother cried again. I kept my tone strong.

Because if I showed even a crack-they'd lose hope.

I couldn't allow that.

Next day

The morning sun crept in through the blinds, golden rays painting sharp lines across the marble floor.

I stood in front of the mirror, dressed in a crisp white shirt tucked neatly into black trousers. My fingers paused at the edge of the black coat-the one that always meant war. The courtroom kind. The one I hadn't worn in two years.

My reflection stared back-confident on the outside, but my chest held a storm.

"Are you nervous?" Rudra's voice came from behind me, calm like always. Warm. Reassuring.

I didn't turn. "This is my first case after two years," I replied softly, my fingers still hesitating.

I felt him step closer. He picked up the coat and carefully slid it over my shoulders, his touch slow, grounding.

His lips brushed near my ear. "I know you'll win."

I finally turned to face him.

He looked me dead in the eye. "Because your husband won't let you lose anything."

I chuckled-quietly but genuinely. That's the thing about Rudra. He doesn't just believe in me-he reinforces me. Like iron wrapped in velvet.

Rudra POV

After dropping jaan off at the courthouse, I sat in the car for a moment longer than necessary-watching her walk through those stone steps like she was born to command them. Her back straight. Her presence untouchable. My woman-fire dressed in law.

I wanted to stay. God knows I did.

But last night... Vipul had called. His voice low, sharp.

"We've found him, sir. The one who calls himself K."

K.

The bastard who slipped through my fingers too many times. The ghost who danced around our borders, mocking me, hurting people under shadows.

I clenched the steering wheel.

No. Not this time.

I can't afford to let that snake vanish again-not when so many have bled because of him. Not when his existence alone threatens everything I've built... including her.

I drove through the narrow dirt road that led to the outskirts of the city-the place where ghosts of my past liked to hide.

The trees grew thicker, the shadows darker, and the air heavier the closer I got.

The old mansion stood like a carcass from a forgotten era, its bricks soaked in secrets, blood, and betrayal.

I stepped out, the gravel crunching beneath my boots, and my eyes locked onto the rusted iron gates.

Basement.

That's where Vipul said they were keeping him-K. The devil cloaked in charm. The man who dared touch what was mine.

I walked through the mansion doors. The silence was deafening, only interrupted by the faint hum of electricity from the underground.

Two guards stood at the entrance to the basement. They moved aside as soon as they saw me.

No words I descended the stairs.

Each step felt like thunder in my ears. With every footfall, my rage grew sharper.

I reached the last door.

My boots echoed with each step on the cold concrete floor-each thud sharp, deliberate, like a warning bell before the storm.

He was tied to the iron chair, hands behind, ankles clamped with chains. Blood dried at the corner of his lips, one eye already swollen. Yet the bastard still smirked.

I dragged the metal chair right in front of him, its screech making even the walls flinch. I sat down-calmly, like a predator admiring its prey before the final blow.

Picked up the metal jug from the table, splashed cold water across his face.

He flinched, gasped.

His eyes blinked open. Black.

"So..." I tilted my head slightly, voice cold. "You're K?"

He chuckled, throat raspy. "You think you've won?"

He leaned forward slightly, grinning through bloodied teeth.

"Not yet."

I didn't blink. I didn't speak.

I just smiled.

That terrifying, emotionless smile that's whispered about in the underworld.

I smirked and without a blink, slammed the rod again on his ribs-he groaned in pain, blood dripping from his mouth, face swollen like a balloon about to burst.

"Be... before... you kill... me... know this..." he whispered, breathless.

I bent down, grabbed his chin tight. "Speak," I growled.

He let out a shaky laugh. "You think you got me... no Rajput... you're still a fool!! It's not easy to catch me... but good try..."

I clenched my jaw, veins popping. I grabbed his hair, yanked his head back.

"Who the fuck are you? And where is the bloody K?!"

He chuckled like a lunatic, even with his teeth loose and blood filling his throat.

"You won't be able to find him..." he coughed. "But he will destroy you... he will come... just wait and watch..."

I stared at him, rage boiling in my blood, but my face remained calm-calm like the eye of a storm before it wrecks everything.

"You think you've seen hell?" I leaned closer, voice like ice. "You've just entered it."

I cracked his neck, tossed the blood-stained rod aside, and picked up a steel whip lying on the rusted table. His fingers grazed the leather like it was crafted for this moment.

With one sharp crack, the whip lashed across the man's back. He screamed-loud, raw, animalistic. I didn't flinch. In fact, he smiled. A cold, terrifying smile.

"You think playing under shadows makes you powerful?" I said, striking again. "No, power is when your name alone makes people kneel."

The man gasped, blood trickling from his mouth, but I crouched in front of him, gripping his jaw tightly.

"Do you know why they call me the Devil King?" I said lowly. "Because I don't just kill my enemies... I make sure their souls remember me in every damn rebirth."

I stood up again, walked around slowly, deliberately-like a lion circling his prey. Then I picked up salt from the table, letting it trickle through his fingers.

The man's eyes widened in horror

"And one more thing," I growled, gripping the man's blood-soaked collar as I leaned in close, his voice colder than death itself, "after I send you to hell... K is next. And when I get him-he'll beg me for life... just like you did."

The man barely gasped before I grabbed the nearby dagger-thick, heavy, serrated at the edges-and without blinking, plunged it deep into his chest. Once. Twice. Again. Again. Until the walls echoed with the sound of bone cracking and flesh tearing.

No mercy. No pause. Just rage-pure, merciless rage.

The man coughed blood one last time before his lifeless body slumped forward. Dead. Brutally. Viciously.

I stood up slowly, blood dripping from his hands, breathing heavy-but his eyes... they were terrifyingly calm. That still silence before a storm kind of calm.

His men, standing behind him, didn't move. Eyes wide. Mouths dry.

They had seen violence. They had seen murders. But this?

This was Rudra Singh Rajput-the Devil King in his truest form.

And if this was what he did to a decoy...

God help the real K.

Ishni POV

I stepped into the courtroom, the sharp click of my heels echoing off the marble floors. My assistant followed closely behind, holding the files I had prepared all night. We still had ten minutes before the hearing started. I took a deep breath and turned to him.

"Did Naina's parents arrive?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the nerves stirring inside me.

He looked around nervously. "Mam... not yet. But they confirmed they'll be here. Maybe stuck in traffic?"

I nodded, though the unease gnawed at my chest. We couldn't afford any mistakes. Not today.

And just then... that all-too-familiar, disgusting voice slithered into the room.

"Well, well, well... look who we have again."

I turned.

There he was. The opposing lawyer. Dressed in his arrogance and overconfidence.

"Ishni Oberoi," he sneered with a twisted grin, "or shall I say... the criminal who got lucky and ran back into law like a good girl."

He chuckled, tossing a glance at his junior.

I didn't flinch.

Instead, I stepped closer, calm and razor-sharp.

"Calling me criminal doesn't change the fact that today... I'm the one standing for justice." I said flatly, locking eyes with him. "And you... you're the one defending a rapist."

His smile faltered, just for a second.

"But please," I added, tilting my head, "do keep barking. I like watching weak men try to sound powerful....and one more thing it's not ishni oberoi it's ishni rudra singh rajput "

Before he could reply, the clerk called out: "All rise. The Honourable Judge is entering the courtroom."

I walked to my table, composed but burning inside.

The courtroom echoed with the sound of the judge's gavel.

"The court is in session," he announced sternly, scanning the documents before him. "Where is the victim and her legal guardians?"

I stood up, heart steady even as my palms sweated beneath the surface. "Your Honour, they're on the way. There might have been traffic, but they've confirmed their arrival-"

Before I could finish, my opponent rose from his chair, an annoying grin playing on his lips.

"Mrs. Oberoi -oh pardon me, is it rajput now?

Or shall we go with ex-convict? I'm just curious," he said mockingly, his voice laced with venom.

"Because clearly you've forgotten courtroom discipline after your long vacation behind bars. "

Soft laughter erupted from the benches behind him.

I held his gaze, unmoved. "If your wit was half as sharp as your greed for powerful clients, you might have known this isn't a game."

He stepped forward, arms spread theatrically. "Oh come on, Your Honour, this isn't a hearing. It's a circus. The victims aren't even present. No signatures, no affidavits, no presence. Is this the level of professionalism we're accepting now?"

I straightened my coat slowly, stepped toward the bench and looked directly at the judge. "This isn't a circus. This is justice in motion. And unlike my learned friend, I don't parade pain for performance."

The judge banged his gavel again. "Enough. I will allow a few minutes. But if the victim or legal guardians do not arrive shortly, we will consider postponement."

I nodded, swallowing the rising frustration. My eyes flicked to the doors again, praying.

Where the hell are they?

Behind me, the opposing lawyer leaned in and whispered, just loud enough for me to hear, "Better drop this one, sweetheart. Before you embarrass yourself. Again."

I turned slowly, smiled just a little and whispered back, "Careful, counselor. That tongue of yours might be Exhibit A soon."

He scoffed, turned back to his desk.

I looked toward my assistant-his eyes scanned the doorway helplessly. No calls. No texts. Nothing. Just silence.

I exhaled slowly, trying to calm the storm inside my chest.

My gaze shifted toward the other side of the courtroom-there he was. Arman Sitting beside his high-profile father, both dressed in arrogance and entitlement.

They were too calm. Too collected.

Too prepared.

And then it hit me.

Something is wrong.

Very wrong.

I could feel it in my bones-the way Arman smirked slightly, whispering something to his father, who chuckled as if this was some game.

My eyes narrowed.

Where is Naina?

Why haven't her parents shown up?

I checked my phone. Nothing. Not even a missed call.

A cold shiver ran down my spine.

I stood silently for a moment, fists clenched at my sides. I looked up at the judge.

"Your Honour," I began carefully, "I request-"

Just then, Arman's lawyer interrupted with a sneer, "Requesting another delay, Ms. Rajput? At this point we should be questioning if the victim even exists."

Laughter again.

I turned toward him. "You laugh now, but trust me, you won't be able to when your house of lies burns down-brick by brick."

The judge lifted his gavel slightly. "Order."

I glanced at the door again-still no sign. My heart pounded.

This wasn't coincidence.

Naina... where are you?

Something in me twisted with fear, and then, rage.

They've done something.

It had been hours. Torturous, dragging hours.

I kept glancing at the entrance, hoping, praying for Naina and her parents to walk in. But every time the door creaked open, it was just another clerk, another lawyer, another face that wasn't hers.

Meanwhile, the opponent was having a field day.

He stood, voice smug and booming, "Your Honour, we have been sitting here wasting time while the prosecution fails to even produce a witness! This is a mockery of the legal system."

He turned to me with a fake smile, "Maybe prison really does take a toll on memory, Advocate rajput. Or maybe she's just using this case to polish her tarnished reputation."

I didn't respond. Not yet. My jaw clenched, but I knew arguing now would only make it worse.

Arman sat there, arms crossed, eyes dancing with wicked confidence. His father looked even more relaxed, legs crossed, as if he already had the victory in hand.

And then the gavel fell.

"Enough," the judge's voice rang out.

I stood.

The judge looked at me, stern. "Advocate rajput, you've brought no victim, no statement, and no supporting witness to this courtroom today."

"Your Honour, I understand but-"

He held up his hand. "I am granting one final date for the hearing. But take this as your last chance. If you fail to present the victim in the next session, the case will be dismissed."

Boom. Just like that.

I felt the floor slip under my feet for a second.

The case-Naina-was hanging by a single thread. One more mistake... one more setback... and it would all collapse.

I gathered my files, held my head high, and walked out of that courtroom, my heart burning.

Something is wrong.

I need to find her. Before it's too late.

The moment I stepped out of the courtroom, my eyes locked with them-

The opponent lawyer, Arman, and his father, standing near the steps like they were waiting to mock me.

The lawyer smirked, arms folded.

Arman looked smug, like the devil in a suit.

His father had that arrogant tilt of the chin-the kind that comes from years of corrupt power.

I walked past them, controlled, silent. But I could feel their eyes scraping down my back like rusted knives.

"Don't think you won," I said, turning slightly, my voice sharp, laced with quiet fire. "Because next time, you won't have this same smile you're wearing today."

Arman chuckled. "Oh, come on, Miss rajput. You really think you'll find that little liar before next hearing? Good luck with your fairy tales."

The lawyer leaned in. "You're still playing the hero, huh? The courtroom doesn't care about your theatrics. Without your witness, your case is nothing."

I took a step closer, locking eyes with Arman's father. "Enjoy this little show, Because curtain call's coming-and this time, your sins won't get to hide behind a surname."

For a split second, I saw the mask crack on his face.

I turned and walked away without another word.

Because now I knew-

Something was wrong.

And I swear... I will burn down the sky to find Naina.

I stormed into my office, heels clicking like gunshots across the floor. The silence inside was deafening-too loud for my burning mind.

"Keep calling them!" I snapped at my assistant, who flinched before nodding and dialing again.

My hands trembled with rage as I threw the stack of case files across the table-papers scattered like shattered hope. The sight of Arman's smug face kept flashing in front of my eyes. That condescending chuckle. That confidence... like he already knew I wouldn't be able to bring Naina.

"No, ma'am... still switched off," my assistant said softly.

I closed my eyes for a second, inhaling sharply. No. This isn't defeat. This is war.

My gaze fell on the file again. I picked it up, flipping through the documents until I landed on one-

Their address.

I stared at it.

And then something clicked in my gut.

A chill.

Something isn't right.

"I want the car ready in five," I said coldly.

"But ma'am-"

"I said five," I repeated, this time quieter... darker.

Time skip-

The car slowed as we entered the narrow, dusty lanes of the small town. My eyes stayed fixed outside the window-houses with slanted rooftops, kids playing cricket with wooden sticks, a chaiwala pouring steaming tea into tiny glass cups.

Peaceful. Almost too peaceful.

We finally stopped.

I stepped out, heels crunching against the gravel as I adjusted my coat and looked around. People paused-some recognizing me, others simply curious. I walked up to a group of women sitting near a temple.

"Namaste. Naina Gupta ka ghar kahan hai?" I asked gently.

They blinked at me, then pointed in unison toward a lane lined with pink bougainvillaea.

"Udhar madam... woh peela wala ghar."

I nodded my thanks and walked ahead.

The house was modest but pretty-painted in warm yellow, surrounded by carefully potted plants and a few wind chimes that danced in the breeze. A small swing creaked near the porch.

I knocked.

No response.

I waited and knocked again-louder this time.

Still... silence.

My heart started thudding a little faster. I looked around. Curtains were drawn. No sign of life. Not even the sound of a fan.

I stepped back and called out, "Naina? Aunty? Uncle? It's Advocate rajput."

Nothing.

A cold sensation crept up my spine.

I walked to the side, checking for any open windows-then finally reached for the gate latch.

Unlocked.

"Ma'am... should we-?" the driver asked, hesitant.

I didn't answer. My gut was screaming now.

I pushed the gate open and stepped inside.

The moment I stepped inside, the air hit me like a wave of chaos-broken glass crunched beneath my heels, a vase lay shattered, chairs tossed, photo frames cracked and fallen.

It wasn't a home anymore. It was a scene of terror.

"Naina?" I called, voice soft but urgent, stepping carefully over the mess.

I reached the small bedroom. Her father lay on the bed, bandaged poorly, bruises lining his face and chest. Her mother-on the floor beside him-sobbing uncontrollably, her hands shaking as she clutched his.

But it was Naina that made my heart drop.

She sat in the corner, knees to chest, her tiny fingers clutching a torn piece of cloth. Her eyes-those big, once hopeful eyes-were now hollow. Terrified. As if she had seen the devil himself.

"Naina..." I dropped to my knees slowly in front of her, reaching out.

She flinched.

"Baccha... it's me. Didi."

Her lips quivered. She looked at me, and for a moment I saw recognition flicker. Tears poured down her cheeks as she threw herself into my arms.

I held her tightly, one hand stroking her hair, the other shielding her trembling body.

"It's okay, baccha... I'm here now... no one's going to hurt you again."

Her mother crawled toward us, whispering, "They came... they threatened us... told us if we go to court again... they'll kill her. Kill all of us."

My jaw clenched.

I looked at her father. He tried to sit up, pain written all over his face. "We didn't want to back off, beta... but they broke into our home. Beat me in front of my daughter... told us you can't protect us... that no one can."

I stood up slowly, my arms still around Naina. My eyes-burning with rage-locked on the broken window where they had probably entered.

Time skip

After making sure they had food, fresh clothes, and a doctor to check on her father's injuries, I stepped out into the small lawn.

The sun had started to set, casting a soft orange glow over the flowers they had once so lovingly planted.

But now... it all looked dull. Quiet. As if even the plants were holding their breath.

I stood there, arms crossed, trying to figure out my next move-how to protect them, how to make sure no threat reached them again.

That's when I heard soft footsteps behind me.

"Beta..."

I turned. It was Naina's mother, her eyes still puffy from all the crying. She looked at me with guilt.

"We're sorry," she said, voice trembling. "We didn't mean to back off... but... we got scared for our daughter."

I gave her a small smile and gently held her hand. "Aunty... you don't need to apologise. You're a mother. And mothers protect their children first. But nothing's changed. We still have a date-with justice."

She blinked. "But... what if they come again? What if they hurt her again?"

I took a deep breath, my expression hardening.

"They won't."

She looked unsure.

"I'll have some of Rudra's best men stationed here starting tonight," I said firmly. "Your family will be safe. I promise."

She stared at me, and this time... there was hope in her eyes.

"You really think we'll win?"

I turned toward the road, watching the horizon.

"We're not going to win," I said with a smirk, "We're going to burn their lies to the ground."

After sometime

I was walking aimlessly... my feet moving on their own. The road was quiet, a soft breeze brushing my face. I don't know why, but something about this place felt oddly familiar. Like a distant echo... of pain.

I didn't realise how far I had come until I heard it-

Laughter.

Low. Cruel. Mocking.

Men's voices.

Curious, I turned toward the sound, pushing aside a few branches that led to an old broken compound wall. The more I walked, the louder their voices got. Teasing... filthy words... like knives.

And then... I saw them.

I froze.

My eyes widened. My heart slammed inside my chest like it wanted to break out. My legs-

They felt weak. Useless.

Them.

The same faces. The same monsters.

Those men...

That night.

That goddamn night.

When they grabbed me. When they tore away my screams and left me with scars I couldn't scrub away.

I took a step back, trembling. My breath hitched. My throat dried. Every bone in my body screamed to run-but I didn't.

I gulped hard, my throat felt dry... I wasn't able to think straight. My ears were ringing, my heart thudding painfully. I didn't realise when their voices faded... when they disappeared.

But me?

I was struck. Frozen.

As if someone had dragged my past and slammed it right in front of me-naked, raw, bleeding.

My legs started trembling, my vision blurred.

I slowly-slowly took a step back... then another...

Crack.

Before I could understand, my foot slipped over a loose stone, and-

Thud!

I fell.

Pain.

A sharp one.

My head hit a rock.

"Aahh-" I gasped.

Everything spun.

The sky. The trees. The world.

My hands gripped the earth beneath me, but my fingers felt weak... blood started trickling down the side of my head.

My breathing slowed.

Everything went quiet.