FF: Unloved (Complete) - Page 57

As the summer came to an end, the fall season rolled in. Everything had begun to change. The summer green leaves had faded into the usual reds and oranges. The dry heat was replaced with the cool breezes that drifted in through homes, calming even the roughest of hearts.

The beginning of the new season also brought along changes in the Ranawat home. Upon completion his training, Rudra had officially become a BSD officer. He joined the force and worked under his father, who was more than happy to have him under his wing. It turned out that Rudra had more of his father in him than he had realized. He worked his way into the BSD and made an authoritative presence that made him appear superior compared to his fellow officers. He excelled in the tasks and duties that were handed to him, making diligent work of his and other's time and efforts. Rudra built a rough, dominant exterior, feigning indifference and coldness towards others. It was a trait he had learned from his father. Fellow officers had nicknamed him the jallad' after they had seen his harsh, but effective, interrogation methods. In this line of work, there was no room for emotions, and he did his best to keep his in check.

While Rudra progressed marvelously in the BSD, Parvati had adjusted well into the Ranawat home. She had grown accustomed to Rudra's schedule, and made a routine for herself accordingly. Her days were spent between home and the orphanage. Even though she had insisted on taking up more of the household chores, Mala convinced Parvati that it wasn't needed. She told her that she should focus on the orphanage, since that was something very dear to her. And so Parvati did. Granted, she did help Mala with the household chores as any daughter-in-law would have, but she also managed to keep the orphanage running. In fact, it was better than ever. Children were being adopted left and right. She was able to visit the place more often, and on occasions Mala would accompany her, much to the children's liking. They even began addressing her as dadi'.

Not only did Rudra and Parvati's daily lives move forward, but their relationship did as well. They were not intimate with each other, but there was a sense of closeness that felt like a deeper form of intimacy. They had become so attuned to each other that words were often not needed. One would say something that the other was thinking. One would understand the other's needs without it having been voiced. It was something that brought great comfort to them, especially Parvati. She began feeling lighter, like a burden was being lifted from her shoulders. She let her guard down with Rudra, began opening her heart to him, bearing more of her soul to him than she had ever done before. Her walls and barriers had slowly begun to crumble, and it was all because of Rudra.

~

It was during one of these fall afternoons that Parvati and Mala were up on the terrace, sitting and gazing away at the cityscape while savoring a cup of Parvati's special tea. The gentle breeze had just rolled in, caressing both the women's faces. They embraced it. The cool weather was a nice change from the heat they had experienced in the summer. The chores had been completed just before noon, and the two women decided to relax and spend some quality time together.

Mala and Parvati conversed for hours. Parvati went on and on about her mami-sa and the orphanage, and Mala could see that she was missing them terribly. It hadn't even been a year since mami-sa's passing, and there was so much going on that it was a wonder how Parvati had time to even breathe. With helping out around the house, she hadn't had time in the last month to go to the orphanage, and it was clear by the tone in Parvati's voice that she was missing the children. Why wouldn't she? They were her family, after all.

"It's hard to watch all the children get adopted," Paro continued speaking. "I'm happy for them because I know they will get the love they deserve but-."

"You'll miss them because you had grown so attached to them," Mala completed. "It's understandable, Parvati."

"Madhu and Sita were adopted last week. The paperwork was completed. Rehaan's adoption is still processing."

"How is he? I remember you telling me that he initially didn't want to go."

"He didn't. He kept saying that he didn't want to leave me, but I managed to convince him."

Mala caressed her cheek, "I know it's hard, but you know it's for the best."

"I know. I can't help it."

"Why don't we go visit the kids today?"

She shot a surprised look at her mother-in-law, "What? Today?"

"Why not?" Mala laughed. "It's not like we have anything else to do today. Tell you what, why don't you change and head to the orphanage? I'll make something sweet for them, and meet you there."

"Are you sure? I can wait and we can go together."

"It's okay. I can tell how excited you are to see them. I'll meet you there. It's no problem."

Parvati jumped excitedly and hugged her, "Okay! Thank you, maa-sa!"

Parvati moved away from Mala and ran downstairs to change. When she came back out, Mala was in the kitchen preparing kheer. She made sure that she was alright with her leaving, and once she received the second okay Parvati was out the door. Without waiting another minute, she hailed a rickshaw and went straight to the orphanage. She was excited to see the kids, and she knew they would be surprised to see her because they weren't expecting her.

As the rickshaw dropped her off, Parvati entered the orphanage and saw the small group of children sitting in the gazebo, making crafts. Two caretakers were overseeing them. Another caretaker was carrying an infant in her arms, rocking it back and forth while glancing at the gazebo every now and then. It seemed that everything was running well without her. Parvati dashed forward to the gazebo, holding her purple sari up so she didn't trip over it. When she almost reached, the children looked up from their crafts and acknowledged her. They jumped up from the floor and leaped towards her. Rehaan was the first one in her arms.

"Pari didi!" he shouted.

"Rehaan!" she shouted back as she hugged him. "I'm so happy to see you."

"I missed you. Where have you been?"

"I'm sorry. I've been so busy, but I'm here now."

Seven year old Aahil made his way to Parvati and asked, "Where is jeejaji?"

"He's working, but dadi will be here later, and she is bringing a surprise for you all."

Zarina, the newest child, who was four years old, tugged on Paro's pallu, "Will you come and do crafts with us?"

Parvati nodded and went to sit with the children. She greeted the caretakers before sitting down and observing the arts and crafts the kids had been working on before her arrival. There were coloring books and crayons, markers, and paints lying around the gazebo. It was a wonder how all of it stayed on the white pages. Knowing children, there usually would be a mess of colors everywhere.

She didn't know how long she had spent in that gazebo, coloring with the children. Parvati was in her own little world, one where all her problems had evaporated, even if it was just for a moment. However, her bubble was suddenly popped by another caretaker, Anita. She came over to where Parvati was, and she looked up from her drawings.

"Excuse me Mrs. Ranawat," Anita said. "There are some people here who wish to meet you."

"I didn't have anything scheduled for today," Parvati looked at Anita rather confused. "Are you sure they are looking for me?"

"They asked for Parvati Rudra Pratap Ranawat. They also said it was urgent."

Parvati hesitated. Something just didn't seem right. She looked at Anita, who seemed just as confused as she was, and realized that she would have to go and figure this out. She got up and made her way to the main office. When she arrived, she found the room to be completely empty. No one was there. Parvati slowly crept in and looked around. Suddenly, she heard the door click and lock behind her. When she turned, she stood petrified. Her eyes grew wide in shock as she slowly backed herself up against the wall.

"It can't be," she said. "What are you two doing here?"

~

It was late in the evening and Rudra was busy filling out the last of his paperwork. He had spent most of the day closing the last of his cases and interrogating culprits. Now, as his shift was coming to an end, he was exhausted and couldn't wait to get home.

Rudra grabbed some files and headed to Dilsher's office. Upon entering, he found his father going through some documents, signing off on them before having them filed. During their duty, Rudra and Dilsher established a formal behavior code. They didn't want to treat one another differently just because they were father and son. Although, being the son of the BSD General made Rudra the center of attention, he didn't care. He and his father established a relationship of General and junior officer between each other at work. The lines between work and home were made, separating the two relationships between them. Dilsher glanced up from his file and Rudra saluted him before setting some more files on his desk.

"Sir, this is the last of the paperwork," Rudra stated. "Is there anything else?"

"Are the witnesses from the Singhania case still under our protection?" Dilsher asked.

"Yes. They were shifted to a secure location and are under surveillance. Major Singh was just briefed an hour ago."

Dilsher nodded.

"Is there anything else?"

"No, that will be-."

Rudra's phone suddenly began ringing. He pulled it out of his pocket and frowned as the caller ID read Unknown'.

He answered, "Hello?"

The sounds of an ambulance and police sirens echoed on the other end of the line. There were people talking in unison, making it difficult for Rudra to make out a distinct voice.

"Hello?" he said again, a little louder.

"Hello, Rudra?" It was Mala's voice. She sounded frantic.

"Maa-sa? Why are you calling from an unknown number? Where are you? And why do I hear sirens?"

By this time, Dilsher had heard that Mala was on the line. Hearing Rudra speak of sirens instantly worried him. He suddenly became more alert. He dropped the file in his hands on his desk and strode over to his son. Concern was written all over his face as he waited to hear what was going on. Rudra felt the same way. He was alarmed hearing his mother's panicked voice. Not only was he worried, but he had a sickening feeling in the pit of stomach. Something was wrong.

"Rudra, I'm at the orphanage. You need to get here. Fast!" Mala shouted hysterically.

His heart began racing, "Why? What happened?"

"Parvati...she was attacked."

And just like that, Rudra's heart stopped. Her words sunk in and burned like acid. The color drained from his face as his blood ran cold. He froze, not believing what he had just heard. This wasn't happening. It wasn't real, this was all just some insane nightmare he was having. But it didn't take long for Rudra to realize that he wasn't dreaming and that this was as real as real could get. He felt himself gasping for air as the phone slipped out from his hands. Paro...his Paro...was attacked?!

"Rudra, what happened?" Dilsher asked. "What's wrong?"

In a voice that barely came out as a whisper, he spoke, "Paro..."

Before Dilsher had a chance to question further, Rudra sprinted like a madman out of the BSD. He didn't have time to answer his father's questions. He got into his car and raced to the orphanage. He was restless because, right now, it had become a life-or-death situation. Right now only one thing mattered, and that was getting to his Paro.

**********

Oh no! Paro! Is she okay? Poor Rudra! God knows what he's going through. Let me know what you think by leaving your comments and feedback below!

Next update: Rudra reaches the orphanage. What is Paro's condition? Is she okay or...?

Thanks for reading!