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Abhimanyu immediately called the police and informed them of the situation. However, before they arrived, he and Raina managed to trace Shourya's location to the outskirts of the city, at an old, rundown warehouse.

"Be careful," Raina warned as they approached the building.

Abhimanyu shook his head, his voice grim. "It's you who should be careful. I'm not the one who's fiercely broken down the glass wall just now."

Raina gave him a brief, exasperated look but didn't argue. They both moved forward cautiously yet urgently, hiding behind a wall when they heard voices from inside the warehouse.

A gruff male voice echoed through the space, dripping with malice. "I'll cut your hand off... no, how about a leg instead? Not interesting enough? How about blinding you?"

Another person chimed in, snickering. "Boss, his elder brother—no, elder stepbrother—is a cinema hero. How about we kidnap him and demand 50% of his wealth?"

Shourya's weak voice cut through the air, filled with desperation. "Please, leave my brother out of this. Your problem is with me."

Abhimanyu's pulse quickened with rage as he heard the threats against his brother. Before he could move, Raina had already rushed forward, kicking the man closest to Shourya and sending him sprawling to the ground.

"How dare you lay a fucking hand on Shourya!" Raina shouted, his voice echoing in the warehouse.

Shourya's eyes widened in shock and relief as he saw Raina, and then Abhimanyu emerging from the shadows.

Tears welled up in his eyes, and he mumbled, "Abhi..."

Abhimanyu's heart ached at the sight of his brother, bruised and bound. He pushed forward, his eyes blazing with fury. The kidnappers, caught off guard, scrambled to their feet.

One of them lunged at Abhimanyu with a knife, but Abhimanyu sidestepped and delivered a powerful punch, knocking the attacker to the ground.

Raina continued to fight off the other assailants with a ferocity that matched Abhimanyu's. Together, they formed a formidable force, driven by the desperate need to save Shourya. The sounds of the struggle echoed through the warehouse, mingling with the panicked shouts of the kidnappers.

Finally, with the last of the kidnappers subdued, Abhimanyu rushed to Shourya's side. He quickly untied him, his hands shaking with adrenaline and relief. Shourya collapsed into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Shourya, are you okay?" Abhimanyu asked, his voice softening with concern.

Abhimanyu hugged his little brother tightly, feeling Shourya's trembling body against his own. It's his first time seeing him this vulnerable.

The protective instincts surged within him, stronger than he had ever felt before. This was the first time he truly experienced the depth of brotherhood, the overwhelming urge to shield his sibling from any harm. He would burn down the world if it meant keeping Shourya safe.

"It's okay, Shourya. I'm here," he murmured, trying to calm him down as he continued to cry.

Shourya nodded weakly, his eyes filled with tears. "I am now, thanks to you and Raina."

Raina stood nearby, his expression filled with regret and guilt. He blamed himself for what had happened, his eyes moistening at the sight of Shourya's bruises. His fists tightened, and his jaw clenched in silent fury.

Shourya looked at him quietly, noticing that Raina's hand was bloody. "Raina, your hand..."

Raina, avoiding eye contact, said, "We need to get him out of here before the police arrive. They can handle the rest."

Abhimanyu nodded in agreement. Supporting Shourya, they made their way out of the warehouse just as the sound of police sirens filled the air. The authorities took over, securing the scene and apprehending the remaining kidnappers.

As they reached safety, Abhimanyu and Raina helped Shourya into the car, their hearts heavy with the night's events but relieved that Shourya was now safe.

----

When they reached home, Kavita was shocked to see Shourya all bruised and battered. Abhimanyu quickly explained what had happened, calming her fears.

“Kavita aunty, get the medical box,” Abhimanyu instructed.

“I’ll call the doctor,” Raina said, moving towards the phone.

Shourya caught his hand, stopping him. “I’m not that weak. They’re just small bruises. They’ll get better with some first aid.”

Raina looked reluctant, but Shourya’s determined face convinced him. Abhimanyu took the box from Kavita, who then went to prepare a hot bath for Shourya.

“Can we go to my room? I’m feeling uncomfortable on this sofa,” Shourya asked.

“Of course,” Abhimanyu agreed, helping him to his room, with Raina trailing behind.

As Shourya sat down, Raina said, “I’ll do it.”

Abhimanyu shook his head. “No, I’ll do it.”

They both began to argue about who would treat him. Shourya, smiling at their concern, interjected, “Both of you, leave it. I can take care of it myself. Abhi, you should go freshen up. You smell like blood and rust.”

Abhimanyu sniffed himself and reluctantly agreed. “Alright, but be careful.” He turned to leave.

“Raina, you too,” Shourya said, trying to send him away.

Instead, Raina walked to the door and closed it, leaving Shourya confused. “What are you doing?” Shourya asked.

Raina knelt down on his knees before him, making Shourya anxious. “Raina, what the hell are you doing?”

“I’m sorry,” Raina said, looking down.

Shourya immediately got up from the bed and made him stand up. He noticed Raina’s eyes were red with tears and regret. “I should have answered your calls. What would have happened if we hadn’t reached you on time?”

Shourya’s heart melted at his words, and he simply hugged him, taking Raina by surprise. “Shh, don’t blame yourself. It’s not like the kidnappers were sent by you.”

Raina pulled back, clutching his shirt. “How dare you talk like that? Why would I send kidnappers after you? I would be damned if anything happened to you.”

Shourya patted his chest. “I was just kidding to cheer you up.”

Raina glared at him. “It’s not funny. It’s all my fault. If you hadn’t done what you did back then, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”

Shourya’s face showed innocence. “What did I do to you? I don’t remember at all.”

Raina glared at him. “Forget it. What am I even expecting from you? You wouldn’t care what I think or do.”

Shourya then faked a wince for attention.

"Ah! My shoulder.. it's hurting like bitch.."

"Where? Sit here and show me...", Raina looked worried.

He fell for it and immediately started caring for him, treating his bruises gently with care. Shourya enjoyed the attention.

“Well, at least I benefited from this fiasco. I got you to talk to me, Mr. Busy Bee,” Shourya teased as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt and rolled over his shoulders.

Raina glared at him. “Don’t call me that.”

Shourya continued teasing him with the name. Frustrated, Raina stood up and threw his shirt at him. “Go take a shower. You’re stinking.”

Shourya laughed, feeling lighter despite the pain. Raina’s genuine concern had warmed his heart, and for the first time in a long while, he felt the bond of their friendship strengthening.

------

After freshening up, Abhimanyu returned to check on Shourya. He paused at the doorway, taking in the sight of Raina sitting beside Shourya, gently caressing his hair.

The tenderness in Raina’s touch surprised him; he hadn’t known they were such close friends.

In his past life as Vikram Singh, Abhimanyu recalled how Shourya and Raina had always quarreled, challenging each other in archery, horse riding, and sword fighting and what not. Despite his best efforts to mediate, their enmity never subsided. Seeing their bond in this modern era filled his heart with a deep sense of contentment.

Abhimanyu cleared his throat, drawing Raina's attention. Startled, Raina quickly removed his hand from Shourya’s hair, his ears turning a bit red.

Abhimanyu approached them, his concern evident. "Did he get treated? Has he eaten?"

Raina nodded. "Yes, I made sure of it personally."

Abhimanyu couldn't help but smile at Raina’s concern, the memories of the old era washing over him.

Raina noticed his smile and looked confused. "What’s so funny?"

"Nothing," Abhimanyu replied, shaking his head. "Come on, let’s have dinner."

Raina shook his head. "I’m not hungry."

Abhimanyu rolled his eyes and, with a gentle yet firm grip, dragged Raina away from the bedside. "Stop worrying too much. Shourya is safe and fine."

As they walked toward the dining room, Raina couldn’t help but glance back at Shourya, his worry still etched on his face.

Abhimanyu noticed and patted his shoulder reassuringly. "He’s stronger than you think. He’ll be alright."

Raina nodded, though the worry didn’t completely leave his eyes. They sat down to dinner, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken thoughts and emotions. As they ate, Abhimanyu felt a strange sense of peace.

The bond between the three of them had been tested and strengthened in the crucible of danger, forging an unbreakable connection.

*****

🥺 Aww Raina is a softy.

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