To long on the update, no? 😅😅😅

Anyways, Onwards!

"Words in double quotes" - Talking

'Words in single quotes' - Thoughts

(Words in braces) - Telephone conversations

Previously - Pragya leaves towards the forest with Nikhil, unaware that Nikhil has called Damru and his men to ambush her. Abhi at last decides to follow them. Bulbul comes and tells Aliyah that their plan won't work, now that Pragya let with Nikhil. Purab hears it and demands to know the truth. Elsewhere, Commando and the four other actors who had been hired by Aliyah, prepare to leave, although they have no idea what Abhi and Pragya look like and believe that Commando will recognize them, unaware that Commando accidentally destroyed his phone before he could see their pictures.

Now -

Chapter 7 - Crisis All Around

'How do you tell someone 'shut up and piss off' in a polite way?' Pragya thought to herself. She had half a mind to tell Nikhil to shut up if he didn't have anything useful to say. The entire time they had been walking, he had spoke nothing other than boasting about his own achievements. Although she nodded and smiled at each word of his, she was finding it hard to maintain her facade of politeness.

"And I've been also asked by a famous director to play the hero in his next film. I'm just that handsome, I guess." Nikhil boasted.

"Wow! That's so amazing!" Pragya acted impressed and smiled at him, although it came out more like a flinch.

"Thanks." He turned to look at her quizically. "Say, I've told you all about me. Why won't you speak anything about yourself?"

'I would if you gave me the chance to speak, you moron!' Pragya fumed inwardly. "Um...my life isn't as interesting as yours."

"Oh come on! There must be something spicy in your life, eh?" Nikhil wriggled his eyebrows at her. "Maybe you can tell me why you seemed so pissed at Abhi?"

"It's not li-"

"Yes, it was. You were talking quite rudely to him. Any good reason?"

Pragya felt her eye twitch in irritation. 'What business does this guy have to interfere in our matters?' His words were also bringing back her memories of Abhi and his words. "It's nothing Nikhil. Just a rich pompous guy being heartless."

Nikhil thought it was the best opportunity to ruin Abhi's good image in Pragya's mind. "So he ended up insutling you as well, eh? Nothing new. He does that to anyone who he thinks has the potential to best him at anything. He isn't a good person."

"Nikhil, he didn't do anything to hurt me intentionlly. It was actually something I heard him say to someone else. I mean he...he didn't mean to actually insult me."

Nikhil didn't know what she heard Abhi say, but knew he could use it to his advantage. "But he did, didn't he? I bet its you who is just trying to defend his wrong actions."

Pragya stopped walking and turned to look at him. "It's not that Nikhil. Abhi isn't like that."

Nikhil stopped as well. "Yes he is. He doesn't care about others. All he cares about is 'competition'. Every matter is just a competition for him where he will do anything to emerge victorious."

Pragya looked at Nikhil in anger. Sure Abhi had hurt her when she heard him call her broken and imperfect. That didn't mean that he was a bad person. She remembers her conversation with him when they had taken a walk together, how he empathized with her. He showed genuine care for her. "That isn't true."

"Pragya, stop defending him. He has hurt you with his harsh words. Tomorrow, he will do that to someone else! And than to another someday after that! That is how he is. I'm his cousin. I know him better."

Pragya outright glared at Nikhil. "With all due respect, I disagree. He may be your cousin, but I think you are mistaken. Abhi isn't like that. Yes he is harsh in his words and maybe doesn't show his emotions much. But that doesn't mean he doesn't care for others."

"Pragya, if you think I will complain to Raj uncle about you badmouthing Abhi, then chill. You can speak out your hate for him. I won't go and tell his father. Abhi is a bastard and that's it!"

"I'm not defending Abhi out of fear. I know he isn't a bad person. It's you who is wrong!" Pragya shouted back at him, completely pissed off.

Nikhil didn't expect this reaction from her. He was sure she would start seeing his side of things. "You say he hurt you with his words and yet you defend him?!"

"Yes, I do. It's because he deserves it. Unlike a wretched, perverse, idiotic maggot like you!"

"How dare you...you bitch!?"

"You would know one since you're a dog yourself, aren't you!?" Pragya was red with anger. "I think its time we cut short our walk. Goodbye Nikhil Bhalla." Pragya moved past him to leave, only to be held back by the wrist by Nikhil.

"You came with me here on my wish. And you will leave when I want you to."

Pragya tried to break free of his hold, but he only tightened his grip. "Let go of me!"

"Hahaha...I've not held your hand to let go this easily." He pulled her near him as hard as he could, making her fall into his arms. "Hello love. Now you'll see the real side of Nikhil."

#Hotel#

"Aliyah di, ever seen a volcano explode?"

"No. Why'd you ask?"

"Well... I guess we are about to witness one." Bulbul responded while pointing towards Purab. Aliyah simply nodded with a grim face. Purab did indeed look like he would explode in anger.

Ever since Aliyah explained her and Bulbul's plan to Purab, he took a seat on the couch and held his head in his hands. She and Bulbul sat quietly near him, unable to predict how he will react. They sat up straight as they saw Purab come and stand in front of them.

Purab opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it. He was taking deep breaths, as if to calm himself and stop himself from shouting. "I won't try to make you both understand how notorious, irresponsible, dangerous and insane your idea was because you both will never accept that truth. So instead, take me to the place you were about to send Pragya."

"Why?"

"Because your so-called actors may be there right now."

Aliyah blinked at him in confusion. "If they are, its a good thing, isn't it? It was a part of the plan."

"It isn't a good thing. This plan is ridiculous and we're sending them back. Come on!" He pulled her up by the arm, gave her her coat and pushed her forward. "Lead the way."

Bulbul got down from her seat and came to stand in front of him. "But Puru bhai, thi-"

"No buts Bulbul! I've had enough of your antics. Now come with me silently."

Bulbul flinched at his words and simply nodded.

Only time Purab called her 'Bulbul' instead of 'Bubble' was when he was really angry. She sulked and put her hands in her pockets with a huff. She reluctantly followed him and Aliyah towards the forest.

#Forest#

Pragya felt frozen in her tracks at Nikhil's words. She knew he was stronger than her and that there was no one, other than them, in the forest currently to help her. She was at his mercy.

"Aww... is Pragya scared of little old me? Don't worry I won't hurt you if you don't resist me." Nikhil spoke with a sinister smile as he pulled her closer by the wrist.

"Let go of me! Please! Let go of me I said!" She pleaded, crying out in despair.

Pragya struggled as hard as she could.When he showed no signs of letting go, she bit his hand, making him shut out in pain and letting go. She at once took the opportunity to run away. However, she stumbled in the snow and fell down on the cold ground.

Pragya felt Nikhil grab her by the arm and pull her up. "How dare you bite me!?" He pushed her towards a tree, making her collide with it. Pragya let out a scream as her shoulder hit the trunk with great force.

"Now, you pay!" Nikhil moved forward with a shout. However, Pragya moved away from the tree, just in time to escape him. She ran as fast as she could, with Nikhil following closely behind. Her throbbing shoulder was paining her, but she gave it no mind. Nikhil leaped forward and grabbed her by the knee, making her fall down, hurting her shoulder further. She felt helpless and her eyes filled with tears of hopelessness.

"Now, I've got you Pragya!" However, before he could do anything, someone kicked him out of the way, making him roll all the way and hit a tree. He felt the trees spin and shook his head to gain back his senses. Slowly, Nikhil got up and looked back at his assailant. "You!"

"Yes, me." He spoke with a glare.

Abhi extended a hand for Pragya to take. Pragya accepted his hand and got up while holding her hurt shoulder. "Pragya, are you okay? Good thing I came after you into the forest."

"But Abhi, how did you know we were in this region?"

"I didn't. I was searching randomly when I heard your scream. I ran towards your voice as fast as I can. You're okay, right?"

"I'm...I'm fine Abhi. But if you were late I..." Pragya felt tears trickle down her cheeks at the thought of what could have happened to her. She moved forward and hugged him.

Abhi hugged her back and let her cry on him. He slowly broke the hug and rubbed away her tears. "Hey, it's okay. It's alright. I'm here now, see? He can't hurt you." Abhi glared at Nikhil. "You low life! How dare you lay your dirty hands on her!? You're nothing but filth of the society!"

Nikhil chuckled. "Thanks for the titles, but it doesn't affect me. I'm shameless! Now move aside. I want to have my prize." He spoke, looking past Abhi towards Pragya with a perverse look. Pragya hid further behind Abhi, grabbing onto his shirt. It was only then did Pragya realize that Abhi had no coat on himself to protect him from the cold. 'Was he so concerned for me that he forgot about his own safety? But why? Why care so much?'

"You lecherous beast! I'm not even letting you go near her shadow. I'll protect her no matter what!" Abhi shouted back.

"Then I guess I need to remove your existence first." Nikhil took out a knife and smirked at Abhi.

Abhi was confident he could handle Nikhil on his own. However, he knew Pragya could be used as a leverage by Nikhil against him if she remained there. "Pragya, go from here to the hotel."

"What?! And leave you here with him? No way!"

"Pragya, listen to me. I'll be fine. Trust me!" He tried to make her understand by looking into her eyes. "Please go. If not for yourself, go from here for me. I can't see you hurt. You mean too much to me."

Pragya felt her heart do flips on his confession. However, he confused her even further now. He was speaking entirely contradictory to what she had heard him say to his mother. 'What is this Abhi? Are you lying to me or did you lie to your mother? Could it be that all I heard was a misunderstanding? Or is it that you are protecting me just as a good friend would?'

"Pragya! Move it!" Abhi gave her a light push and she nodded, as if in a trance.

"Be careful Abhi." saying that, she moved away from him and walked away.

"You really think you can beat me Abhi? What a joke!" Nikhil spoke with arrogance.

"No, I don't think so." Abhi smirked. "I know so."

"Abhi!" Abhi and Nikhil both looked towards Pragya when they heard her shout. She stood there frozen, looking at five men approaching.

"Ah! Finally you're here Damru." Nikhil shouted with glee.

"Yes boss. Is this the girl?" Damru asked, looking at Pragya intently. Pragya stepped back in fright and looked towards where Abhi stood.

Nikhil nodded and turned to Abhi. "Listen to me cousin. Its all six of us against you alone. You can't possibly beat us. What's the point of risking your life for this middle-class girl, an orphan no less?! Take my advice and run away. Give Pragya to us."

Abhi looked back and forth between the goons and Pragya. He took a deep breath and straightened up. "Alright. You can take her with you." Pragya's eyes widened at his words, while Nikhil's face broke into a wide grin.

Pragya closed her eyes, accepting her faith. 'Guess I should have known he would choose this option. After all, who would risk their own lives for someone who they know only for a few months?'

"Nice choice dear cousin. I wa-"

"Wait Nikhil. I wasn't done with my sentence." Abhi said as he walked closer to Pragya. Pragya opened her eyes and saw him come stand in front of her.

"I was saying that you can take her with you." Abhi looked at his enemies with utmost hate. "But Over. My. Dead. Body! You have to kill me first if you want to get her."

#With Purab, Aliyah and Bulbul#

"This is the place." Aliyah stated as they stopped near the big maple tree in the middle of the forest.

Purab looked around the place. "Where are your actors? Shouldn't they be here yet?"

"They should have been." Aliyah took out her phone to dial Commando's number which she had got from their manager. "Damn! His phone is switched off. Who does that at an important time like this?!" She shouted in irritation, not knowing that Commando's phone had broken when he accidentally threw it out of the window.

"Stupid actors!" Bulbul shouted, putting in her two-cents, stomping her foot in irritation.

Unknown to them, Commando and the other four actors were approaching the place at the very moment. While the rest look confident, Commando was in distress. 'I didn't even get to see the pictures of Abhi and Pragya. How will I recognize them? How how ho-' He was broken out of his thoughts by the sight in front of him. He could see a boy, a girl and a little child standing near the maple tree.

'This boy looks handsome enough to play the hero. And that pretty lady must be Pragya. But whose that child?' Commando shook his head off those thoughts. 'Whatever! Only thing matters is that this two must be Abhi and Pragya. What a save! Otherwise I would have been surely fired from work.' He turned to his men. "Oi! Its those two. Let's begin our roles. And remember. No matter what happens, don't leave your roles." The men nodded and they moved into view.

Aliyah, Bulbul and Purab looked up as they heard someone approach. "There you are!" Aliyah exclaimed. "I ha-"

"Pragya! We're here to kidnap you! And you Abhi? Don't even try to stop us. Or else..." Commando threatened.

Purab glared at them, while Aliyah looked at them dumb-founded.

"I'm not Abhi. And this isn't Pragya!"

"Yes, he is right. Look its a big misunderstanding. We were actually waiting so tha-"

"Shut up girl! Don't try to give us excuses."

"I'm not! I'm seriously not Pragya! I'm the one who appointed you to act!"

The men looked at her in confusion and then turned to their leader. "Boss, what is she saying?"

"Don't listen to it." Commando whispered to them. "Manager told me how she was a clever one. No matter what she says, don't go out of character. And remember. We need to attack the boy as if it was 100% real. Alright?" They nodded and moved forward.

"Shit! What now?" Purab spoke in a panic as he saw them approach them. Two men, he could handle. But five? Impossible!

"Now its time for our secret move." Aliyah spoke with a dead serious voice.

"Okay. What is that?" Purab asked with hope.

Aliyah grabbed onto his arm and looked at Commando in the eyes. At once, she turned around and started running as fast as she could, while pulling Purab along with her.

"What the...this was your secret move!?"

"Yes! Now keep running!"

"But what about Bubble? We can't leave her like that!"

"Don't worry. They are only actors, not real killers or kidnappers."

"Then why are we running in the first place?"

"Ehehe...I am to blame for that." Aliyah said with a nervous voice. "I had strictly told their manager that I will pay him only if they truly fight bhai and not even show even a little bit of lenience."

Purab looked at her in horror. "And they think I'm Abhi! Aliyah, they will end up beating me black and blue!"

"Exactly! That's why we need to keep running."

Bulbul watched them run away with confusion and bewilderment, with the rest of the men chasing after them. She felt a shadow over her and looked to find Commando standing in front of her. She looked at him with irritation. "What?!"

"Little girl, will you be able to find your way back?"

"Um...yes."

"Okay then." Commando moved past her and ran away after the rest.

Bulbul smacked herself in the head. "This is the one who Aliyah Di hired? This guy is an idiot! Which kidnapper acts so caring!? This is so irritating! Not to mention Aliyah di and Puru bhai ran away without me! No fair!" She huffed out in frustration and turned to go back the direction she came from. "Hate you Pragya di for ruining our plan! Hate you Abhi-skunk for not keeping her away from that Nikhil! Hate you Aliyah Di and Puru bhai for leaving me! Hate you goons for being so late and...and Hate JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING! And hate myself for shouting so much that now...now, I'M HUNGRY!"

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To be continued...

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Thanks! ~ 🌹 Mona 🌹