I wasn't stopping him anymore
.
He had come too close… so close that I couldn't even think properly. My eyes shut on their own, my breath held in my chest.
But nothing happened.
No movement. No pressure. Nothing.
Slowly, I opened my eyes again.
Kabir was beside me… his head resting on the bed, completely still.
He had fallen asleep.
A quiet relief washed over me.
I took a careful breath, sitting up slowly, making sure not to disturb him. For a moment, I just looked at him—peaceful, unaware, completely lost in sleep.
Then gently, I adjusted him properly on the bed, placed his head more comfortably, and pulled the blanket over him.
"Sleep properly…" I whispered under my breath.
Without waiting another second, I turned and left the room quickly.
My steps were fast now.
My heart was still racing, my cheeks burning red, my thoughts completely scattered.
The moment I reached my room, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it for a second, trying to catch my breath.
Then I quickly wrote Ishika's number down in my copy, making sure I wouldn't forget it.
I lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
But sleep didn't come.
Not even a little.
My mind kept replaying everything—
Kabir holding me…
Kabir's voice…
That moment… that closeness… that kiss...
I turned to my side, trying to stop thinking.
But the flashes didn't stop.
One by one, they kept coming back.
And somewhere between thoughts and silence…
I didn't even realize when I fell asleep.
Next morning, I woke up and the moment my eyes opened—Kabir was standing right in front of me.
My heart dropped instantly.
For a second, I couldn't even breathe properly. My mind went blank.
Did he find out? Did he remember last night?
Did he catch me?
He looked at me carefully, his gaze sharp and slightly suspicious.
"Were you in my room last night?" he asked directly.
I forced my expression to stay normal, even though my heart was still racing.
"No. Why would I be?" I replied quickly.
He didn't answer immediately. His eyes stayed on me for a moment longer, like he was trying to read something I was hiding.
Then he looked away slightly and said, "Who sleeps this long anyway? It's already 10 in the morning."
I shrugged lightly. "In the real world, there's too much negativity. Sleeping is just my way of escaping it."
He let out a small breath, almost like a half-laugh. "This kiddo… and her answers."
Then he shook his head and added, "Freshen up. Eat something and take your medicine."
His tone was still the same—controlled, slightly cold—but not harsh.
He left the room after that.
I got up, freshened myself, and tried to act normal—even though my mind was already working on the next step of my plan.
Aunty brought food for me. I ate quietly, but my thoughts were somewhere else completely
.
Mission second phase: Ishika.
I needed a phone. Somehow.
While eating, I casually asked, "Where is Kabir?"
Aunty smiled in a teasing way. "Why? Missing him already?"
"No, no," I quickly said, lowering my gaze and continuing to eat, trying to hide my awkwardness.
After finishing, I sat near my books, trying to think of a way out.
That's when I heard his voice from behind me
.
"Am I being remembered?"
I turned instantly.
Kabir was standing there.
I made a face immediately. "In this lifetime? Never."
He walked closer, leaning slightly toward me, studying my expression.
"Really?" he asked. "Now what? Another accusation or a fight with me?"
I frowned. "Move away. Don't you have any work? You're always just roaming around here."
He chuckled softly. "Yeah, yeah… I'm jobless, apparently."
I rolled my eyes. "You are. I'm not. I have to study."
He nodded slightly. "Fine. I'm also leaving. I have a meeting. I'll be back by night"
Hearing that, I actually felt a small relief.
As he turned to leave, I suddenly called out,
"Hey."
He paused. "Hmm?"
"I want samosas," I said quickly.
He looked at me for a second… then said calmly, "Okay. I'll send a worker. Tell them whatever you want."
I nodded, "Hmm."
He started walking away, then stopped for a moment and looked back.
"Don't be scared," he said softly. "And don't do anything childish."
And then he left.
Two workers arrived.
"Madam, what would you like?" one of them asked.
"Samose," I replied immediately.
"And anything else, madam?" he asked.
"What options do you have?" I said, raising an eyebrow.
He hesitated. "We'll only know after we go and check at the restaurant, madam."
I thought for a second, then said, "Fine. Give me your phone. Go outside, check everything, and call me to tell me what's available. I'll tell you what to get."
Both of them looked at each other, a bit unsure.
"Madam… we're not allowed to give phones here," one said nervously.
I leaned slightly forward. "Do whatever I'm saying. Otherwise I'll tell Kabir that I asked for food and you didn't bring it properly."
At that, their faces changed immediately.
"No, no madam! Please don't tell Kabir sir… he'll surely kill.us...!
After a brief hesitation, one of them quickly handed me his phone.
"Password?" I asked.
He unlocked it and gave it to me.
"Thank you," I said quickly, almost snatching it gently, and they left the room.
The moment the door closed, I locked it again.
And then—
I couldn't hold it in.
I jumped slightly in excitement, a huge smile breaking on my face.
"Yes!" I whispered, hugging the phone for a second. "Thank you, God!"
My heart was racing—but this time, not from fear.
From hope.
This was my chance.
Ishika's call… was finally possible.
I quickly opened my diary and typed Ishika's number with trembling hands. My heart was racing—this was the moment I had been waiting for.
I called.
The ring went through… and every second felt heavier than the last.
Finally—
"Hello?"
The moment I heard her voice, my eyes filled instantly.
"Ishika…" I said, and my voice broke.
On the other side, Ishika panicked. "Aaira? Aaira where are you? Are you okay? I went home and they said you went to the village!"
I swallowed hard, tears falling without control.
"No… they sold me," I whispered. "I'm in Rathore brothel… I can't stay here… please save me."
"What?! How is that even possible?" she gasped. "Don't cry, okay? I'll get you out of there. I'll call Kabir bhai—he will help—"
"No, no Ishika," I interrupted quickly, my voice shaking. "He's the owner here."
Silence.
"What?" she breathed. "Kabir…? No, that can't be—"
"I'll explain everything later," I said urgently, forcing myself to stay focused. "Just listen to the plan."
"Okay… okay tell me," she said quickly.
Me -"I'll leave at 7. You wait outside Rathore brothel with money. I'll come out somehow.
We'll run away together and go to your house. Then we'll decide everything after that."
"I'll be there before 7," she said firmly. "Are you okay, Aaira?"
"Yes…" I lied softly. "Just be careful. And don't call this number again."
"Aaira—" Don't worry! I'm here ! I'll help you ! I'll get you out from that hell ! Your Ishika iss here for you ! She said softly holding her emotions too !
"I have to go," I said, wiping my tears. "Take care of yourself."
And then I cut the call.
For a few seconds, I just sat there crying silently… holding the phone like it was the only proof that help existed outside this place.
Then I slowly deleted the number.
Then the worker called,
"Madam, what should we bring?"
I sniffed, forcing my voice steady. "Nothing… I don't feel like eating anymore."
After some time, I returned the phone to the worker.
And the room fell silent again—
but this time, I wasn't just trapped.
I had a way out.
I quickly started making a plan in my mind. I already knew a rough route to the exit. I just needed the right moment.
By evening, around 6:30 PM, I decided it was time.
I told myself, this is it.
I spoke casually, trying to sound normal. "I want to see around the mansion."
Aunty smiled warmly. "At least you're feeling like going out. Come, I'll show you."
I quickly shook my head. "No, no aunty. You must be tired from working all day. I'll go with a worker instead."
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"Alright, be careful."
One worker came with me.
I walked beside him through the corridor, my heart beating faster with every step. The exit was right in front of me now.
Almost there… just a little more.
Suddenly, I stopped and held my head slightly.
"Wait… I feel dizzy," I said, acting weak.
The worker immediately panicked. "Madam, stay here! I'll bring water right now."
Before he could think twice, he rushed back inside.
That was my moment.
My breath caught.
I turned—
and ran.
Fast.
Straight toward the exit.
My heart was pounding, my mind screaming one word only—
Freedom.
And without looking back, I stepped out.
I had made it out of the mansion.
For a moment, I couldn't believe it.
Freedom.
It hit me all at once—the open air, the space, the feeling of not being locked inside anymore. I ran, fast, not stopping, not looking back, just running toward the road.
But the moment I reached there… I froze.
My eyes widened.
I looked around—on two sides, there were brothels facing each other… and on the other sides, nothing but dark, dense forest.
A chill ran down my spine.
I didn't think much. I just ran ahead, searching.
"Ishika…?" I whispered, my eyes scanning everywhere.
But she wasn't there.
Panic started creeping in again.
I kept walking, moving further, my steps slowing down as darkness began to fall. I stopped near a tree, looking around helplessly
.
"Ishika…" my voice cracked.
Tears started falling.
Where is she…? What do I do now…?
Suddenly—
I heard footsteps behind me.
"Arre… what a piece…" a voice slurred.
I turned.
Two drunk men.
My heart dropped instantly.
Fear gripped me so tightly, I couldn't even move for a second.
I took a step back.
Then another.
But before I could run, one of them grabbed my wrist.
"Where are you going?" he smirked.
I tried to pull away. "Leave me!"
The other one laughed. "Let's just sell her… easy money."
They started dragging me.
I struggled, trying to free my hand, but their grip was too strong.
"Leave me! Please!" I shouted, panic rising fast.
They pulled me toward the entrance gate nearby.
I looked up and saw- RAJPUT BROTHEL!
THEN I SAW IT'S A RED LIGHT AREA !
There's no way out ! Shit I called Ishika to come here ! Is she fine??? I started trembling in fear and worry,
I pushed one of them hard, trying to break free.
But then—
I saw it.
A knife.
My breath hitched.
One of them raised it, ready to attack.
I shut my eyes tightly, raising my hands in front of my face—
And then—
I felt it.
Someone covering me.
Shielding me.
I opened my eyes.
Kabir.
He was standing right in front of me, his body blocking mine completely.
For a second, I couldn't process anything.
Then my gaze dropped—
Blood.
His shoulder… was bleeding.
"Kabir!" I screamed, my voice breaking completely.