The bus stopped abruptly, Randhir stood up to look forward, and his eyes became the size of a saucer.

A dozen armed man stood in front of the bus, their faces veiled.

Randhir thought to face
them, sensing danger.

“Don't go,” Sanyukta stopped Randhir by holding his wrist, her eyes pleaded not to go further.

“It's my duty to protect everyone” Randhir spoke out loudly, taking a hold of his weapon.

“Let us go” Randhir stated sharply.

“Don't be over smart Army man, otherwise we will shoot down everyone” One of the militant spoke.

“What do you want!” Randhir exclaimed.

“We are hijacking this bus” The head of the militants spoke out.

The militants then boarded the bus, aiming everyone at their gunpoint.

“Leave these innocent people” Randhir spoke out against.

“My brother was also innocent, but your Army men killed! All of you will remain captured” the head militant spoke wrathfully.

“What are your demands?” Randhir asked.

“First demand, Army need to accept that they killed my brother in fake encounter, Secondly orphan of my brothers should get free education from government of India. Thirdly I want monetary compensation of my innocent brother's death” the third militant spoke out folding his hands.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Army has denied my demands, now I will kill each one of you” Militant Head spoke out, losing his mind.

Randhir pleased,” Give us more time to investigate and negotiate”.

“It's already been 4 hours, now time is over” the militant declared, loading his gun.

“Okay then don't harm kids and this old lady (Sarita Devi)” Sanyukta spoke out.

“I, too, have principles, I am sparing them, but in exchange I will take your Life!” The militant aimed his gun towards Sanyukta.

Within seconds the bullet left the gun hitting its target and the bus shuddered with gun recoil thunder.

Blood drenched a chest, the bullet pierced the thoracic cavity and a body hit the floor.

Sanyukta stood teary eyed, Randhir became her armor, he took the bullet meant for Sanyukta.

Sanyukta wailed, placing Randhir's head on her lap, crying for help. Tears falling off her eyes like pearls melting.

“Randhir, please get up!” She shrieked.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The army came and caught all the militants, Randhir was rushed to hospital.

The same smell of medicines, disinfectants hit Sanyukta's nostrils again, making her nauseous.

3 years ago, Sanyukta went to a hospital and came back home all shattered and broken.

Time has changed, but even today Sanyukta is again feeling helpless, the mere thought of losing Randhir is making her heart gloomy and mind numb.

It's ironic that 3 years ago, she said Randhir is dead for her but today her soul shivered thinking of him as dead.

Silently, she prayed for him, apologizing to Gods for declaring Randhir dead when he was alive.

Her heart wobbled in her chest, mind went into overthinking mode.

“Kaustuki, Randhir is in the hospital.He is getting operated” Sanyukta cried on the call.

“Everything will be okay, keep faith” Kaustuki consoled Sanyukta.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Madam fill this form immediately so that further treatment can take place” the nurse handed Sanyukta a form.

Sanyukta filled the details, but she looked the column of relation. For a second, Sanyukta thought who she was to Randhir.

“Madam it's mandatory to fill the relationship with the patient” Nurse spoke out.

With trembling hands, Sanyukta wrote the word wife.

“Oh so you are the patient's wife” the nurse spoke, scanning the paper.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Madamji Cheetah is your husband!” Shreyas exclaimed.

“Shreyas don't trouble Sanyukta with your questions” Sarita Devi instructed.

“It's alright Ma'am,” Sanyukta stated.

“When did you get married? Well, you have great choice Madamji” Shreyas spoke out, making Sanyukta smile.

What will happen next? Will Randhir make it or not? Stay tuned to know more.