FF: The Beautiful and the Condemned (Completed) - Page 44

"I love you, Rudra."

Rudra felt like the air had been knocked out of him. The concern written on his face was replaced by shock. His mouth gaped as his eyes widened. His gaze met hers as he searched for the doubt in her eyes, but there was none. All that was in them was reassurance and devotion. Paro was serious. She loved him.

She continued to hold his face in her hands as she spoke, "Do you now understand why I couldn't leave? How could I stay away from the man I love? That would be a fate worse than death. You think you are the only one suffering in this situation, but you're not. You sending me away is no better than killing me. In fact, it's much worse. I'll be a soulless body, condemned to die everyday I live without you for the rest of my existence."

Rudra stared at her, completely dazed, but listened intently to what Paro was saying.

She dropped one hand from his face and rested it on his chest, "Why are you trying to fight something that is meant to be? You've already tried once, and look where we are now. Bholenath has brought me right to you. Isn't that proof enough?...Rudra, please say something."

Slowly, he raised his hands to hold her hands on his face and chest. Thakur-sa and his men didn't even come to mind at this point. Neither did his internal need to obey Tejawat's every order. At that moment, nothing was more important that Parvati's words. This beautiful woman before him was professing her feelings for the man who had been a jallad to her, who had tormented her and promised her death by his hand. But this wasn't that man anymore. This man had been reborn from the ashes of that jallad. This Rudra was capable of care and affection, but only towards one person...Paro. She understood the good and bad sides of him, and was still standing here, ready to accept him wholeheartedly. He stared at her in awe, wondering if this was too good to be true.

In a barely audible whisper, he said, "Say it again."

She looked at him puzzled. Did he really wanted her to say that entire speech over? Paro took a deep breath and started over, "Rudra, do you understand why I can't leave-."

Rudra shook his head, "No, not that part."

She raised her eyebrow in confusion and was about to ask what he wanted her to say until she saw Rudra genuinely smile. The look in his eyes spoke of eagerness...and desperation. It was then Paro realized what he wanted to hear. She gave a small smile.

Rudra held her hand that was on his chest tighter and, in an almost pleading request, said, "Say it again."

She stroked his cheek, "I love you, Rudra...I love you."

And that was enough for him. Rudra took the hand that was caressing his cheek and kissed her palm. In that kiss, Paro felt the love and affection she had desperately longed for from him and the acceptance from him. Rudra pulled her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her waist and nuzzling his face in the crook of her neck. The pain from the scratches on her back had disappeared for the moment. Elated that he hadn't rejected her feelings, Paro hugged him back. The tears of happiness seeped down into his shirt. Feeling the peculiar wetness on his chest, Rudra pulled Paro away and wiped the tears.

Then, he look at her. She knew that he was thinking about something by the serious expression upon his face. The fact that they accepted their feelings for one another was a big step. But the question remained: What would they do now? The way they looked at each other was as if they were searching each other's souls for the answer. After a long period of silence, Rudra, who had finally come to a conclusion, spoke.

"We're leaving for Mumbai," he said calmly. "First thing in the morning."

"You're coming with me?" Paro asked, making sure he wasn't planning on leaving her again.

"Yes, we're leaving this place forever. I'm not going to leave you, Paro. Not now. Not ever."

Rudra held his hand out to her with a newfound sense of hope and determination. She looked at him then at his hand before sliding her hand in his. Together, the two of the took Bholenath's blessings before exiting the mandir. Paro hopped behind Rudra on his motorcycle and they rode back to his home. There wasn't much time, and everything had to be done quickly before Tejawat got word of what they were planning to do. When they arrived home, Rudra and Paro immediately ran up the stairs and locked the door behind them. Rudra opened the black bag he had given Paro earlier and began stuffing his things in it. She silently sat on the bed and watched him, as her things were already packed. As he was counting the lump sums of money, she took off his jacket that she had been wearing. She let out a small gasp she saw lines of blood on the inside of the leather jacket.

Her hand immediately touched her back as she tried to peer at the marks over her shoulder. As she tried to touch her back her hand ran across one of the fresh scratches that was still bleeding slightly, causing her to jump up from the bed like she was on fire. The sudden action startled Rudra who was shoving the money back in the bag. As he was about to walk over to her, Paro rushed passed him and into the bathroom. She didn't even close the door, giving him a full view of her trying to see the marks on her back. Even from his distance, Rudra could see the small glimmer of a tear at the corner of her eyes. He rushed over and stood in the doorway.

"Are you okay?" he asked concerned.

"It's bleeding," she replied. "There's blood in your jacket."

"Turn around. Let me see."

Parvati turned to show him, and he found that she was right. It was bleeding, not much, but enough to worry and infuriate him. Those scratches were just a constant reminder of how he hadn't been able to protect her. Just thinking about the type of sleazy men Tejawat had under his wing made him all the more upset. When he finds out who had did this to her, Rudra swore he would kill them, no questions asked. Paro was right. The safest place for her to be is with him.

Rudra moved Paro back and opened the mirror, revealing a medicine cabinet. He grabbed a small brown bottle and closed the door. Then, Rudra grabbed a small towel and wet it with the contents in the bottle. Parvati watched him closely.

"Turn around," he gently commanded.

She did so.

"This is going to sting, but it'll clean up the scratches and stop the bleeding."

Paro wasn't sure what was happening until Rudra rubbed the damp cloth on her back. A surge of pain immediately swept through her, causing her to jump and turn to face him. He, on the other hand, stood patiently waiting for her to turn back around.

"Paro turn around," Rudra said.

"No that really stung," she responded.

"It's going to. If I don't wipe it then it won't heal properly. Now turn around."

Parvati shook her head.

Without warning, Rudra tugged Paro into his chest. The surprise was written clearly on her face. His arm wrapped around her waist. Her heart began beating intensely by such a close proximity. The seriousness and gentleness Rudra displayed in his eyes made her forget the stinging sensation momentarily. Slowly, he began leaning in. Her heart pounded faster. She wasn't sure what he was doing, but at this point she was too confused and stunned to move. It felt as though he was going to hug her, but there was something else to it. Rudra leaned closer to get a look at her back. He knew if he held onto her she would stay put. Carefully, he rubbed the cloth against the scratches again.

Rudra felt her hands grab a fistful of his shirt as she hissed in pain. However, Paro didn't move away. Instead, she leaned her head into his chest. In the process, he chided her with sweet nothings, something that astonished her greatly. This affection was something so new to see from him, and somehow it made her cheeks flush to see it, knowing that it was only for her. Paro was was so focused on his closeness that she hadn't realized when he'd finish cleaning up the scratches. He had been trying to move away but was unable to due to her grip on his shirt.

Rudra smirked as he leaned into her ear and whispered, "You can let go now, Paro."

Paro's eyes shot open as she stepped back, without looking up at his gaze.

"It's stopped bleeding. The scratches aren't bad, but it'll take a day or two to fully heal. Until then, you can't sleep on your back."

Paro nodded and followed him out of the bathroom. He returned back to his serious mode as he began telling her the plan for the following day.

"We'll leave before sunrise and get on the first train to Mumbai," Rudra told her. "Once we get there we'll find a place to stay. We have enough money to last us awhile there. We'll figure everything else out once we get there." Rudra took out his phone and smashed it on the ground. "That's so they don't trace us."

Paro sat down on the bed and asked, "Is everything packed?"

"Yes."

"How long are we staying in Mumbai?"

"I don't know."

"Rudra...you are staying with me...aren't you?"

Rudra turned around to look at her. Parvati seemed hesitant and doubtful. It was as if she was unsure whether or not he'd stay with her. After all the times he denied to go with her, he knew her question was justified. He walked over to her and sat in front of her on the bed. Without any hesitation, he raised his hand to move a strand of hair from her face before caressing her cheek. He didn't need words to assure her. All he had to do was give her a small nod and Paro knew. The depth of trust established between them still managed to surprise him. He moved his hand away and spoke.

"Get some sleep," he said. "It's going to be a long day tomorrow."

She raised her eyebrow, "Don't you have to sleep too?"

"I have to stay awake and keep watch. What if thakur-sa's men come?"

"It...it doesn't look like you've slept for a few days."

He hadn't been. Ever since Tejawat had given the order to get rid of Paro, there had been one obstacle after another. There just wasn't any time to sleep, and the truth of the matter was that he was more worried about Paro than anything else. He couldn't even feel tired until he would actually think about it. Even now, he was too preoccupied on running away with Parvati and making sure they survived through the night.

She took in the bloodshot eyes and the dark marks below them. His usual stubble had grown more than he would usually allow it. She knew he hadn't been sleeping, and he wasn't going to until they were safe. But she wouldn't have that. If Rudra didn't sleep his body would shut down and neither of them would get away. Worse, he won't be in the proper state of mind and that could lead to mistakes...mistakes which could cost them their lives.

"You need to sleep more than I do," she tried to persuade him.

"I'll sleep once we're away from here," he countered.

He turned his head away and was about to get up when he felt a tug on his arm. He looked back and found Paro holding on to him. Rudra wasn't sure what was happening except that he was getting lost in her. He found himself melting and doing as he was being made to. Parvati slowly pulled him down and rested his head down on her lap as if was the most natural thing for her to do. He gaped and the simplicity with which she had done this. As if she had been doing it forever. Her hair, which was pulled to one side of her face, draped like a curtain, as if hiding them away in the privacy of their own world. Paro gave him a reassuring nod before softly running her fingers through his hair, causing him to let out a soft hmm in the process.

"Rest," she said. "Nothing is going to happen."

Rudra's eyes began drooping before he was able to protest. He had never experienced such tender ministrations before. However, her hands had some sort of magic in them, as they relieved his tensions just by her touch. It was never his intention to fall asleep, but before he knew it his eyes were closed and his breathing had evened out. The man who had refused to sleep finally knocked out. Parvati continued to stroke the tendrils of his hair as she stared at Rudra lovingly. He looked like a sleeping warrior who, if nudged, would wake and be ready to attack. Once she was sure he was asleep, Parvati closed her eyes and slept, knowing that tomorrow would be the first day of her new life.

~

Parvati draped her pink dupatta over head so her would remain unseen. Holding it with one hand, she held onto Rudra with her free hand as they entered the busy Chandangarh Train Station. Rudra was dressed in light jeans, a white shirt, and a black zip-up hooded sweater with the sleeves bunched up at his elbows. He was more alert than usual. With the busyness of the station, he made sure that he kept Paro close. It would be easy for Tejawat's men to be hiding around within this hustle and bustle. His eyes kept a look out for any suspicious behavior. Even Parvati was on her guard. She kept a tight grip on Rudra's hand so if someone did try to touch her it would only take a small tug to get his attention.

Rudra made a quick stop to by their tickets to Mumbai. He handed Paro the single black, duffle bag they carried and handed the man the money for the tickets. He glanced over at Paro while the seller was printing out his tickets. Her eyes were scanning the surroundings as he had done earlier. It didn't take her long to master the skill from what he could see. Dressed in white choli and black ghaghra, she blended well into the crowd of brightly dressed citizens. Her bright pink dupatta began sliding off the top of her head and he quickly adjusted it before anyone caught a full glimpse of her. She grabbed the edge of it and held it near her face, barely covering the gold hoop nose ring she wore. As soon as the man gave him their tickets, Rudra held Paro's hand once again and began heading to their train, which was prepared to leave in twenty minutes.

He hadn't expected so many people to be at the station this early in the morning, but then again Rudra never took a train at the crack of dawn. It wasn't difficult for him to find out which direction their train was in. The seriousness on his face appeared to have intimidated the fellow bystanders as they all stepped aside as he walked forward with Paro. They were weaving their way through the crowds, trying to get to the train as fast and discreetly as possible when suddenly Paro abruptly halted in her tracks. Rudra turned back and saw the terrified look in her eyes. She was staring at something straight ahead passed him. He looked back to see what had gotten her so shaken. Then he saw a familiar face. One of Tejawat's men was standing a few yards away, standing in the middle of the platform, watching them without even attempting to hide himself. Rudra had seen this man in thakur-sa's haveli a few times before, but didn't know him personally. He only recognized him by the sleek, black ponytail and goatee. Rudra firmed his stance as he pulled Paro behind him protectively. She held onto his arm and peeked out from behind him. Rudra could feel her shaking and knew that she recognized this man from somewhere.

"That's one of the men who tried to..." Paro's voice trailed and Rudra got the hint.

He was ready to walk right up to the man and drag him in the railway to throw him in front of an oncoming train. However, something about the enemy in front of him was off. He observed closely as the slimy smirk appeared on the man's face. Rudra squinted and finally saw the reason for the stranger's calm demeanor. As he squinted, he saw the man eyeing some people in another direction. It was then Rudra knew that they weren't alone. He followed the signals and saw three other men disguised as beggars slowly beginning to get up, staring at him and Paro in the process. If he tried to fight them now, the police would surely come an arrest him, and that would leave Paro alone. So, Rudra was forced to remain passive.

"Those...those are the other men..." Paro managed to say.

Rudra growled. Tejawat's men had found them.

An announcement came on the intercom: "Train from Chandangarh to Mumbai will be leaving in five minutes!"

Rudra quickly grabbed Paro's hand and took a step back, "Paro...run."

They turned on their feet and dashed away. They could here the men yelling "Go after them" and "Get them". Rudra kept yelling "Move" and shoving people out of the way as he and Paro ran with lightning speed. At this point, Paro's dupatta had flown off her head and was flowing behind her like a sari pallu. The sound of anklets furiously chiming matched their heavy panting and rapid heartbeats. Rudra kept looking back to make sure they were a good distance away from the four men. He knew they had to get to the train within the next five minutes, but they would first have to get rid of Tejawat's men.

Paro heard the sound of the train whistle, signaling the preparation for departure. She heard the wheels slowly beginning to clank on the metal rails. The train was leaving, and they had to get on it. Paro glanced at Rudra who looked at her and nodded. By squeezing into a small group of people standing by a small snack shop, they managed to lose Tejawat's men, who ran right passed them. As soon as they were out of sight, Rudra and Parvati ran up a flight of stairs and ran across to the platform on the opposite side. They quickly looked towards the platform on the opposite end to see the four men with their backs turned towards them, searching frantically, but in vain; there were too many people. Rudra put Parvati in the moving train first before hopping in. By the time the four men caught sight of them, it was too late. The train was gone.

The two sat down in their seats as they huffed and puffed to try and catch their breaths. Rudra placed their bag above them before taking his seat next to Paro. He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his side, thankful that they had managed to get away. Once they finally caught their breaths, Paro looked up at Rudra concerned.

"Rudra," she said. "How did they find us?"

"They must've known we'd try to make a run for it," he replied with a gruff.

"But they know we're on the train to Mumbai. What if they reach us there?"

He thought for a moment before saying, "Change of plans."

"What?"

"We're not going to Mumbai We're going to get off this train in a few stations. We'll get on another one and then switch again. It'll get thakur-sa off our trail."

"If not Mumbai, then where are we going to go?"

Rudra looked down and leaned his forehead against hers before answering, "Lucknow."

**********

Wow, was that intense or what? Let me know what you think by leaving your comments and feedback below.

Next update: Life in Lucknow, some new characters, and...AMAN!

Thanks for reading!