"Are you okay? Can you move?" Hardik knelt beside the woman, glancing over his shoulder as the ground trembled again. A guttural roar echoed through the street, closer now.
The mother shook her head, her face contorted in pain. "Please… take Amaya. Get her out of here," she whispered, her voice trembling.
The little girl clung to her mother, her tear-streaked face buried in her shoulder.
"I'm not leaving you behind," Hardik said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Another roar split the air, and Hardik turned to see a monster land mere yards away. Its hulking form was a grotesque blend of sinew and shadow, its glowing blue eyes scanning the chaos.
"Amaya, hold my hand," Hardik said, forcing calm into his voice. The girl hesitated, her wide eyes locked on the approaching beast. "Trust me."
She reached out, small fingers gripping his tightly. With a grunt, Hardik lifted the woman onto his back.
The monster's shriek tore through the air, and Hardik forced his legs to move, weaving through the crowd. Gunfire erupted nearby, the sharp cracks of rifles and deafening booms of grenades momentarily silencing the chaos. The Indian Army had arrived.
Hardik took the chance, ducking into a side alley. His breaths came in ragged gasps as he pushed forward, the woman's weight heavy on his back, Amaya clutching his arm tightly.
He stumbled into a quiet corner, collapsing onto his knees as he gently set the injured woman down. His breaths came in ragged gasps, and his muscles burned from the strain, but he forced himself to focus. Amaya crouched beside her mother, her wide, tear-filled eyes darting nervously around.
"Stay here for a moment," Hardik said, his voice steady despite his exhaustion. He took out his phone and dialed Aditi's number, his heart pounding as he prayed for her safety.
The call connected, and Aditi's voice, laced with relief and fear, came through. "Bhai! Are you okay? Did you get away from those things?"
"I'm fine," Hardik replied, glancing around to ensure they weren't being followed. "What about you? Are Mom and Dad safe?"
"Yes, we're okay," Aditi said quickly. "But listen—don't come to Raj Bhavan. We met a group of people who said they were turned away. Only politicians and high-profile citizens are allowed in. It's chaos there."
Hardik's grip tightened on the phone. "What? Then where are you now?"
"We're in a hospital nearby," Aditi explained. "These people have set up a small camp inside one of the buildings. They've got supplies and are helping whoever they can. Bhai, you need to come here. It's safer than wandering around out there."
Hardik hesitated, his mind racing. Raj Bhavan had been his only plan, but now that hope was dashed. A hospital camp sounded like the best option for now, especially with the injured woman and child in tow.
"Send me your location," he said finally. "I'll head there now."
Aditi agreed, and moments later, Hardik received the pin on his phone. After ensuring the woman and Amaya were ready to move, he helped the mother back onto his back and guided Amaya forward.
The journey to the hospital was nerve-wracking. Every shadow seemed to hide a monster, and every distant scream reminded Hardik of the fragile line between life and death. He avoided main roads, weaving through side streets and debris-strewn alleys until the hospital building came into view.
As he approached, several people standing guard outside noticed him. They rushed forward, their expressions a mixture of concern and relief.
"Over here!" one of them called out, motioning to Hardik. "We'll take her."
Hardik carefully lowered the injured woman into their arms, his legs trembling from exertion. Amaya clung to his side, reluctant to let go even as the medics approached.
"You're safe now," one of the guards said, patting Hardik on the shoulder. "We'll take care of them. Get some rest."
Hardik nodded, his mind already racing with the next steps. He glanced at Amaya, who finally released her grip on his arm to follow her mother inside, then turned his attention back to the hospital camp.
For now, they were safe. But he knew the real battle was just beginning.