UNIVERSITY ARC
|"They came here for Geetha?"|
The words slipped out in frustration.
|"This girl always causes trouble with her ego and pride. She never thinks before acting."|
Suddenly, the gang leader's phone rang, piercing the tense air. It was likely the mastermind behind this mess. Without hesitation, Raksha snatched the phone and held it near me, activating the speaker.
A rough, gravelly voice barked from the other end.
| "Why did you take so long to answer? Bring her to me, or I'll kill you. I want her at any cost."|
I remained silent, curious to hear more.
|"Hey, idiot! Are you there or not?"|
Again, I stayed silent. Raksha looked like she wanted to demand answers, but I gestured for her to wait. The person on the other end chuckled darkly.
|"Oh, so you're the one who saved her. I guess my men are already dead. Listen, I don't know why you're protecting her, but for your own sake, leave her and run. I'll spare your life if you do."|
Raksha couldn't hold back any longer. She was about to shout at him, but understanding her emotions, I ended the call before things escalated further.
Suddenly, more thugs stormed into the restaurant, their presence amplifying the chaos.
Despite the pain from my wounds, I forced myself to stand, drawing on every last bit of strength. My eyes narrowed with determination as I took charge, my voice resolute.
|"Raksha, we need to get Geetha out of here now. We can't let the mafia get their hands on her. You handle the thugs. I'll get Geetha and my friends to safety."|
|"But brother, you're already hurt. I can't let you—"|
|"I'm fine, Just a few scratches from protecting my friends."|
Raksha hesitated for a moment, then nodded, a fierce look in her eyes.
|"Got it, brother. Let's move!"|
With that, I pushed forward, my heart pounding like a war drum. The urgency of the situation filled me with adrenaline. I reached Geetha, who was still unconscious, and grabbed her arm, pulling her close to ensure her safety. Everything was going according to my plan.
I led the way, alert to every movement around us as we navigated through the chaos. Behind us, I could hear Raksha fighting, her bare fists cutting through the air with deadly precision, a testament to her unparalleled skill.
Though I knew Raksha was a masterful fighter, the sheer number of thugs was overwhelming. These new arrivals were more skilled and dangerous than those before. Despite her abilities, I feared she might be in trouble soon. But with my injuries, I couldn't help her directly. My priority was to ensure the safety of my friends and Geetha.
Geetha always brought trouble with her, but I couldn't abandon her, no matter how harshly she had spoken to me earlier. Her disdain for those less fortunate than her had cut deep, but now, in this dire situation, I couldn't let those words affect my judgement. She was scared and in need of help, and I couldn't turn my back on her.
Spotting a parking lot outside, I realized she must have arrived in a car. Where were her keys? They had to be in her bag. I searched frantically and found them. Quickly, I gathered my unconscious friends one by one, loading them into the car. Once everyone was inside, I drove them to our room, ensuring their safety before returning to the restaurant.
Meanwhile, Raksha was still fighting, her energy waning as she struggled against the odds. But she never gave up. After confirming that I had left with the others, she called out, her voice ringing through the chaos.
|"Now! Girls, have you done what I asked?"|
Two girls emerged from the shadows, stepping into the dim light. Raksha turned to the first one with a smile.
|"Dhriti, did you bring what I asked for?"|
|"Yes, Raksha. I've got it."|
|"Good! I knew I could count on you. And Yuhana, where's the item I asked for?"|
Yuhana remained silent, causing Raksha's irritation to flare.
|"Yuhana! I'm talking to you! Where is it?"|
|"Raksha… I brought it, but…"|
|"But what? This isn't the time for delays. I'm in the middle of a fight! Tell me now."|
|"Okay, okay. Don't stress. It's just… Trishka came along with us. She wouldn't listen to me."|
|"What? Why didn't you tell me earlier? You brat!"|
From the shadows, a young girl darted forward and hugged Raksha tightly.
|"Raksha! I missed you so much! Where have you been? The elders have been asking about you for so long."|
Their reunion was abruptly cut short as a knife sailed through the air, narrowly missing them. Trishka's eyes widened in surprise.
|"Wait, you're in the middle of a fight? Why didn't you tell me? You're so selfish, you enjoy yourself. Raksha! I want to fight too! Please, let me join!"|
|"There's no stopping you once you've decided on something. Do what you want, but leave the leader to me."|
Dhriti and Yuhana exchanged nervous glances.
|"Are you serious, Raksha?" Dhriti asked. "We're too young for this. It's illegal. Did you forget?"|
Raksha shrugged.
| "If you can stop her, go ahead. But I doubt you can. Besides, if Trishka was coming along, why did you bring my sword?"|
The girls exchanged sheepish grins, but the moment didn't last. In a blur of motion, Trishka eliminated the remaining thugs, giving Raksha a brief respite. Yuhana handed her a special drink, allowing her to regain her strength.
Just then, I returned to the restaurant. The sound of the car engine alerted Raksha, and she quickly addressed the girls.
|"Girls, he's back. Leave the hotel before he sees you. You must hide out for a few days from him."|
They nodded and dashed out the door. When I arrived, the scene was grim. Bodies lay scattered, and the once-luxurious restaurant was now a battlefield. The staff had likely fled, leaving nothing but silence in their wake.
Raksha's face lit up when she saw me. |"Brother! Are they all safe?"|
|"Yes, Raksha. They're fine, just unconscious. Now, tell me, is anyone still alive?"|
|"Yes, brother. I spared one of the gang members. It's the leader."|
|"Good work, Raksha. Let's see him."|
I approached the captured leader, who was badly injured but still conscious. I needed answers, and I needed them now. I looked him straight in the eyes and demanded.
|"Why are you after Geetha? What's your connection to her?"|
He refused to speak, so Raksha, her patience at its limit, snapped his left arm. The man screamed in agony.
|"Wait! I'll talk! Just… don't kill me."|
I signalled for Raksha to stop, eager for information. He began to talk, his voice trembling with fear.
|"I'm just a member of the gang. Our boss ordered us to capture a girl. He said he wanted revenge. Whoever brought her to him would get a promotion… and a chance to spend the night with her. We could do whatever we wanted. He showed us her picture. She was beautiful… so we accepted. That's all I know. Please, don't kill me."|
As he spoke, a realization dawned on me. I turned to Raksha, ready to discuss our next move, but before I could say anything, she twisted the man's head sharply, ending his life instantly.
Damn it! I needed him alive to assist with the police investigation. But I understood Raksha's anger. Given the circumstances, it wasn't surprising that she reacted this way. Still, the situation was spiralling out of control. We had to act fast.