Vicky was done with checking up on things and returning the next day when he got the call from Amrit.
Amrit had stayed behind in Banaras to ensure that things were working smoothly. Usually Amrit didn’t call Vicky for anything because he was more than capable of handling everything himself, so Vicky was really needed if Amrit was calling.
“Mintu and his men have kidnapped the painter, brother.”
Vicky saw, rather than feel, the earth slipping.
“What?”
“Mintu and his men kidnapped the painter brother.” Amrit repeated, sounding more frantic. Vicky knew that this was probably because of how he sounded rather than concerned for Anita “His men killed one of the men guarding her and shot the other one in the knee. Left a message that you should go find them, if you want her back.”
“Get the men ready.” Vicky said before cutting the call.
He waited long enough to find his strength but not long enough to contemplate what Anita had become to him.
That he did on his journey back home.
***
Amrit got correct information that Mintu had kidnapped Anita. What he didn’t know was that Mintu had managed to get his other rivals to help him out with a proposal that they would all equal shares of Vicky’s area.
It was a close call, but with help from the reinforcements called in from other cities, Vicky managed to save Anita from Mintu and friends.
***
“Brother I really don’t think the girl is worth any of the men we lost today.” Amrit said pacing the room.
Holding the locket his bird gave him Vicky said, “She is worth more than anything.”
It took Amrit a second, then he realised. “Brother! Have you told the lucky girl that she is going to be my new sister-in-law?” he said, giving Vicky a hug, “I am so happy for you.”
Vicky hugged him back tightly.
Then Amrit asked, “When did you know, brother?”
“I am not sure it is good for her though. To bring an innocent into this world.”
“That would have been a problem, brother, but after this we don’t have many left. It is not like you have to tell her anything.” Amrit pointed out.
“Not telling her would mean that she would be unprepared for the life she has to live. I-” Vicky was cut off with Anita coming out of the room she had been put in.
Amrit took off saying, “I’ll leave you two alone, brother.”
Hello, everyone! If you liked this Short Story, do check out the related posts. Comment and like if you would like to read more similar works from the author. And don’t forget to share this on your social media channels.
Mili is pen name of Ankita Maurya. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and economics and is currently pursuing her master’s. She is one of those obnoxious people who prefer to be behind the camera than in front of it.
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