Anirudh Pov:

Exiting the room hastily, I didn't even bother to acknowledge Bondita. What could I possibly say? My mind was blank, devoid of any response that could adequately address the whirlwind of emotions coursing through me. And to my surprise, I found myself smiling and even laughing in her presence.

It dawned on me that it had been over six long years since I last laughed with such abandon, since my heart felt light with genuine joy. The realization left me bewildered, unable to comprehend how she managed to evoke such feelings within me.

Lost in thought, I made my way to the sanctuary of my study, hoping to find clarity amidst the chaos of my mind. Closing the door behind me, I sank onto the familiar couch, running my fingers through my hair in a futile attempt to gather my thoughts.

Leaning back against the cushions, I closed my eyes, seeking solace in the solitude of the room. But even in the quiet, my mind buzzed with questions, each one vying for attention like eager children clamoring for recognition.

Was I reverting to the old Anirudh, the one who followed his heart without hesitation?

But this can't happen!

I slowly opened my eyes, fixing my gaze on the wall adorned with numerous photos from my teenage years. Memories flooded back, reminding me of a time when emotions ran freely, unencumbered by the weight of responsibility.

No! No... No, Anirudh, you can't be emotional like this!

I shook my head, trying to dispel the rising tide of sentimentality threatening to engulf me. The memories of my past resurfaced, a stark reminder of the events that had robbed me of my innocence and turned me into a heartless mafia.

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to confront the harsh reality. I couldn't afford to be swayed by emotions, to allow myself to become attached to anyone. It was a dangerous game—one that only led to pain and suffering.

Bondita is just my responsibility! Nothing else!

I repeated the words like a mantra, willing myself to believe them. She couldn't be anything more to me, I reminded myself sternly. No matter how much I may be tempted to let down my guard, to allow myself to feel again, I couldn't afford to let anyone get too close.

She can't be my nothing.

With that final affirmation, I squared my shoulders, steeling myself against the emotions threatening to consume me. Bondita may have stirred something within me, but I refused to let it take root. I had a duty to fulfill, a promise to keep, and nothing—not even the flutter of a long-forgotten feeling—could deter me from my path.

Time passed in a blur of confusion, my fucking emotions still a tangled mess. I buried myself in my work, seeking refuge in the familiar routine of my study.

As dinner time approached, a sudden realization struck me—I had completely forgotten that Bondita was injured and unable to walk.

I mean, seriously, she got hurt on her first day of college?

Oh, God, really? I married a child!

She's nineteen but still as small as an eight-year-old, for heaven's sake!

Lost in my thoughts, I made my way to our room, pushing open the door to find Bondita sitting on the bed surrounded by open books, chewing on a pen.

Wait—what?

I blinked, disbelief washing over me as I confirmed that she was indeed gnawing on the pen.

I mean, is she serious?

Was she so hungry that she resorted to eating a pen?

And why the hell are there books scattered all over my bed?

Stepping further into the room, I cleared my throat to announce my presence, but she didn't even glance up from her books. Her focus was solely on devouring the pen, oblivious to everything else around her.

I couldn't help but interrupt her trance-like state. "What on earth is going on here?"

She blinked slowly, tearing her eyes away from the book to look at me with that infuriatingly innocent smile plastered on her face.

Why does she have to be this innocent? 

"What's what, Anirudh?" she asked innocently, as if she didn't have a clue, all the while continuing to nibble on that damn pen.

Ugh, is this girl serious?

She doesn't even know what she's doing, great.

With a roll of my eyes, I voiced my irritation. "This mess! Why are you studying here instead of in the study room?"

She glanced back at the book, still munching on the pen, and replied casually, "Because the bed is cozier, and the books seem to enjoy the company."

Okay, fine, I'm done with her now!

And this girl is eating her pen... ugh!

I shot her an irritated glare, my patience wearing thin. "Bondita, stop eating the pen! It's not a snack."

She blinked innocently, her lips still wrapped around the pen as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and replied, "But it's so fun eating a pen. I mean, I can be more concentrated in my books."

I rolled my hair in frustration; this girl would drive me mad one day. I sighed, giving up, and said, "Fine, but clean up this mess before dinner. And for the love of all that is holy, stop eating the pen!"

She again said, with a wired but cute face, "But I have homework to do. I'll eat afterwards."

I had reached my limit. "Enough, Bondita! You will eat dinner first, and then you can do your homework. There's no negotiation!"

And again, that cute pout. I mean, really? Again she huffed and pouted like a little baby. I went towards the bed and picked her up from the bed, her face displaying a mix of confusion and surprise.

"Why are you carrying me again?" she asked, eyes widened in shock as I carried her.

Because you're injured, idiot!

I rolled my eyes and looked at her, saying, "Because you broke your leg on the first day of college, Bondita. What else am I supposed to do?"

But she shook her head, replying, "It's not a big deal. Just put me down. Maa will already be angry."

Is this girl mad?

She got hurt but still cares if my mother is angry or not!

GREAT!

"I don't give a shit about that, Bondita," I snapped, my irritation reaching its peak. "Your leg is hurt, and I'm not going to let you struggle."

Yet she persisted. "I can manage, Anirudh. Just put me down."

Ugh! Such a stubborn girl!

Can't she understand I'm helping her?

Fine, I'm also not willing to help!

With a nod, I gently placed her on the floor, careful not to hurt her. But even as she stood up straight, proudly declaring, "See, I'm alright!"

I nodded with no emotions and said, "Fine, go ahead."

She slowly made her way towards the stairs, her movements labored and hesitant. I could see that she was struggling, each step a challenge for her injured leg.

With an exasperated huff, I walked towards her and reached out to hold her hand firmly. "I don't care if you fall or not," I muttered, frustration evident in my voice. "But if you fall, I should be the one to take care of you, and I don't have time for that!"

Despite my gruff words, she smiled up at me, her expression soft and understanding. Slowly, I began to guide her down the stairs, supporting her weight as she leaned on me for stability. But even as I helped her, I couldn't shake the feeling of confusion. Why was she smiling? What did she find amusing about this situation?

Ignoring the subtle jabs and smirks from Baba (Binoy), I slowly escorted Bondita to the dining table where everyone was already seated, waiting for us. Carefully, I helped her to sit on the chair beside me, noticing how she avoided making eye contact with anyone.

As we settled in, Baba couldn't resist as he addressed Bondita, "Bondita beta, how are you feeling now?"

I glanced at Bondita, her response measured—a slow nod accompanied by a hesitant smile. "I'm okay, Baba," she replied softly.

But before the conversation could continue, Maa (Shubhra) called out to the workers, her voice commanding, "BRING THE FOOD AND SERVE IT HERE!"

I watched as Bondita visibly flinched at the sudden outburst, her gaze dropping to her lap as she remained silent. It puzzled me why such a small thing would frighten her.

After a few minutes, the maids arrived with the food, their faces sheepish with apology. "Sorry, ma'am, we got a little delayed," they muttered, averting their eyes.

Maa glanced at Bondita, her tone accusatory. "How can we blame you all when our elder daughter-in-law breaks her leg and can't even move!"

I felt a surge of frustration rise within me. It was out of the world—Bondita's leg was injured, and Maa expected her to work. Taking a long breath, I intervened, "Maa, not now. Please."

Maa nodded begrudgingly, her irritation evident, and returned to her meal. I turned my attention to Bondita, who sat timidly, not even touching her food. She looked scared, hesitant to eat.

"Bondita, eat now," I urged gently, knowing she wouldn't refuse. Slowly, she began to eat, her movements cautious as if afraid of making a mistake. It pained me to see her like this, cowering in fear over such trivial matters.

As we all finished dinner, I escorted Bondita back to our room before heading to my office. Settling into my chair, I absentmindedly rolled my fingers through my hair, a sigh escaping my lips as I opened my laptop to check my emails.

The sound of footsteps interrupted my concentration, and I looked up to see Maa entering my office. Quickly closing my laptop, I greeted her, "Maa, you're here? You could have called me; I would have come."

Maa sat beside me, her expression serious as she spoke, "Anirudh, don't you think you're being the old Anirudh?"

I felt a jolt of shock at her words. "Wh-what?" I stammered, unsure of what she meant.

Maa met my gaze steadily, her eyes probing. "Yes, Anirudh. The way you laugh, the way you behave with Bondita—it's proof that you're becoming the same Anirudh who couldn't even save his lover."

Closing my eyes, I felt a wave of emotions wash over me. It was the worst thing Maa could have said, dredging up painful memories I had tried so hard to forget. "Maa... I know I couldn't save her," I began, my voice trembling with emotion. "But you know she cheated on me. I loved Mishti, but she..." I struggled to find the words, the pain still raw after all these years. "Maa, I'm not becoming that Anirudh! Bondita is my responsibility, and her safety and happiness are my first priority!"

With that, I stood up from my chair, needing to put some distance between myself and the memories that threatened to overwhelm me. Maa's words had cut deep, but I refused to let them define me. Bondita was my focus now, and I would do everything in my power to protect her and ensure her happiness.

Maa approached me, her presence commanding as she turned me to face her. "I hope... I hope you're not changing," she began, her voice tinged with concern. "Remember one thing, Anirudh. You're a mafia. You can't afford to be emotional, to think from the heart like before. If you do, you may lose your whole family. So please," she pleaded, her words laden with unspoken warnings and fears.

With that, she left the office, leaving me standing there, feeling a swirl of conflicting emotions. Her words echoed in my mind, a stark reminder of the delicate balance I had to maintain between my responsibilities as a mafia and the newfound emotions stirring within me. Confusion clouded my thoughts as I grappled with the weight of her words, unsure of how to reconcile the past with the present and the future that lay ahead.

I spent half of my time in the study, trying to focus on my work while grappling with the weight of Baba and Maa's words. What was I really supposed to do? I was hell confused.

As I finished my work, I rose from my chair and headed towards our room. But my steps faltered as I caught sight of a figure clad in black, their head covered, pointing a gun towards the room. Bondita sat on the couch, oblivious to the danger, engrossed in her books.

"Fuck!" I cursed under my breath, my heart racing as I instinctively reached for my own gun, always kept close at hand. With cautious steps, I approached the intruder, my senses on high alert.

But before I could react, the intruder turned, pointing their gun directly at me. And then, with a deafening sound, the gunshot went off...

TO BE CONTINUED

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