15. where's she? - Tangled Duties

Rudra

📍Mussoorie

India

The morning was still and calm, the soft chill of pre-dawn air brushing against my skin. I stood in the garden, surrounded by the faint hum of nature waking up around me. The gentle rustling of leaves, the occasional whisper of wind, and the distant chirping of birds created a rare moment of peace. Eyes closed, I took a deep breath, letting the coolness sink in, each inhale pushing away the remnants of last night's restless thoughts.

This was the hour I needed-a space where duty, conflict, and feelings faded into the background. Here, I was just...me. Not the bodyguard, not the agent. Just Rudra, a man standing still in a world that felt like it was always moving too fast.

As the first streaks of light crept across the sky, I tried to focus on the mission, to prepare myself for what today would bring. But as hard as I tried, memories of last night slipped into my thoughts-Avni laughing with her friends, her smile, that carefree spirit that seemed untouched by the weight of expectations. Her presence had a way of staying with me, clinging to my thoughts despite my best efforts to push it away.

I opened my eyes, looking over the garden as it began to catch the first rays of morning light. Somewhere within the mansion, Avni would soon be waking up, probably with that same excitement and energy she carried through every ceremony. I knew she'd be looking forward to the day's festivities, embracing it all with an enthusiasm I could barely remember having.

Stay focused, Rudra.

I reminded myself once more, grounding myself in the purpose that had brought me here. But even now, I could feel the subtle pull-one part of me lingering, unable to forget how my gaze had kept finding her in the crowd. The way she'd laugh, entirely uninhibited. The way she'd moved with such ease, so wrapped up in the moment. And how my chest would tighten every time I saw Kabir get too close.

My jaw clenched, the small, unwanted twinge of jealousy reappearing. I knew I had no right to feel that way. She wasn't mine. She was simply my charge, the one I had been tasked to protect. Nothing more.

But deep down, I also knew that the lines between duty and something more were becoming harder to ignore. And that realization, as unwelcome as it was, held me in its grip.

With one last deep breath, I squared my shoulders. Today, I'd be the silent, watchful figure in the background. No distractions, no slipping thoughts. Just vigilance and purpose.

As the first light broke fully over the horizon, I resolved to stay true to my mission, shutting out everything else.

At least, I would try.

The tranquility of the garden was suddenly interrupted by the sound of rapid hoofbeats. I opened my eyes and turned quickly, catching sight of a horse galloping straight toward the villa grounds. My senses snapped into full alert, and I watched its movements, assessing any possible threat.

Then, in an instant, recognition set in-that horse was from the villa's back hill stable, where a few of the family's prized horses were kept. Its chestnut coat gleamed in the early light, and its gait was strong, even in its unexpected approach.

My mind flashed to the stable. That place was supposed to be secure, and the horses were always well-kept and well-trained. For one to break loose like this was unusual. Was it startled by something, or was there something out there causing a disturbance?

The horse seemed to be unaccompanied, and I quickly scanned the grounds to see if anyone else had noticed. No sign of the stable hands yet, and the rest of the villa was still mostly quiet. I moved forward, positioning myself in its path, hoping to guide it safely away from the main entrance and prevent any damage or danger.

As it approached, I extended my hands, staying calm and steady. The horse slowed, trotting forward with large, dark eyes fixed on me, as if recognizing a familiar presence.

"Whoa... easy now," I murmured softly, trying to calm it. It tossed its head, still agitated but slowing as it came closer.

I took a moment to pat its neck, feeling the rapid thrum of its pulse under my hand. The horse was clearly distressed, which only sharpened my curiosity.

Just as I steadied the horse, I heard footsteps approaching. Turning slightly, I saw Avni walking toward us, her expression shifting from surprise to recognition. Her eyes sparkled with familiarity as she took in the sight of the horse, and a soft smile crept across her face.

She stepped close, extending her hand confidently and placing it gently on the horse's neck. "Hey, little Bahadur," she murmured with warmth. "I see you came."

The horse immediately relaxed under her touch, nudging her hand with its nose, as if acknowledging her presence. I couldn't help but observe the connection between them-an unspoken bond that seemed to settle the animal in an instant.

I watched as Avni interacted with Bahadur, my curiosity piqued. I'd heard she'd been raised around horses, but seeing it firsthand was something else. Her movements were graceful and familiar, her fingers trailing over Bahadur's mane with ease, and the horse responded to her like an old friend.

A memory of last night surfaced, and I realized why Bahadur was here. Avni had promised him a ride when she visited the stables, mentioning she'd come to see him again today. Clearly, the horse had come to remind her of that promise.

"You remembered," she whispered to Bahadur, her voice filled with affection. "And here I thought you'd forget," she added with a soft laugh, leaning in to press her forehead gently against his.

I stayed silent, watching this quiet exchange, feeling as if I were witnessing something deeply personal. The way she interacted with Bahadur revealed a side of her I rarely saw-a softer, gentler side, one removed from all the duties, expectations, and weight of royalty.

It was hard not to feel a tug of admiration. This was the Avni beneath the titles, the responsibilities, and the image she upheld every day. This was a woman who cherished even the smallest promises.

After a moment, she glanced my way, her expression almost teasing. "I promised him a ride, you know. Looks like I have to keep my word."

She turned back to Bahadur, preparing to lead him toward the open field, her smile bright and infectious.

And as I watched them, I felt that familiar, unwanted warmth settle in.

Avni's eyes sparkled with playful mischief as she turned to me, a challenge glimmering there that I hadn't seen before.

"How about a race, Rudra?" she offered, her hand still on Bahadur's neck, the horse seeming to respond to her excitement.

I raised an eyebrow, matching her playful gaze with a smirk. "You're on, Princess."

We walked together toward the stables, Bahadur trotting along beside her, already eager for the challenge. Once we reached the stable, I took in the impressive lineup of horses, each one powerful and dignified in its own right. After a brief scan, I found myself drawn to a strong, black-coated stallion who looked just as ready for a run as I was.

"Badal," the stable keeper informed me as I approached, patting the horse's neck. His dark mane fell in a neat wave, his eyes sharp and intelligent. He seemed restless, almost as if sensing what was ahead.

I climbed onto Badal's back, adjusting my stance as the horse shifted, familiarizing himself with my weight. Across from me, Avni had already mounted Bahadur with an ease that was second nature to her. She looked confident, her posture relaxed but ready, a grin tugging at her lips as she glanced my way.

"All set?" she called over, her voice light but carrying a clear note of competitiveness.

I settled into the saddle, patting Badal's neck in reassurance. "Ready when you are."

With a shared nod, we positioned ourselves at the makeshift starting line we'd agreed on. The open field stretched before us, the early morning light casting a warm glow on the landscape, the air still fresh with the quiet promise of dawn.

"Three... two... one..." Avni counted down, her eyes flicking forward, every line of her body bracing for the start.

And then we were off.

Bahadur launched forward in an instant, powerful and swift, with Avni guiding him effortlessly. Badal responded just as quickly, his hooves pounding the earth beneath us as we raced over the grassy terrain. I leaned into the rhythm, feeling the wind catch in my hair, the landscape rushing by in a blur of greens and golds.

For a moment, all thoughts of duty and formality faded away. It was just us-the open field, the thrill of the race, and the silent challenge we shared. Avni and I were nearly side by side, and I could see her out of the corner of my eye, her expression a mixture of fierce determination and pure joy.

She let out a laugh, exhilarated, and I couldn't help but feel the same sense of freedom. She glanced my way, her eyes alight. "Think you can keep up, Rudra?" she called, breathless but challenging, her voice carrying over the steady drumbeat of hooves.

I smirked, pushing Badal to quicken his pace. "I was about to ask you the same thing, Princess."

We raced neck and neck, each refusing to give the other an inch. I could feel my competitive edge firing up, determined to keep pace with her. But there was something more than competition here-it was the shared thrill of breaking free, even if only for a moment.

Avni's eyes sparkled with playful mischief as she turned to me, a challenge glimmering there that I hadn't seen before. "How about a race, Rudra?" she offered, her hand still on Bahadur's neck, the horse seeming to respond to her excitement.

I raised an eyebrow, matching her playful gaze with a smirk. "You're on, Princess."

"All set?" she called over, her voice light but carrying a clear note of competitiveness.

I settled into the saddle, patting Badal's neck in reassurance. "Ready when you are."

"Three... two... one..." Avni counted down, her eyes flicking forward, every line of her body bracing for the start.

And then we were off.

She let out a laugh, exhilarated, and I couldn't help but feel the same sense of freedom. She glanced my way, her eyes alight.

"Think you can keep up, Rudra?" she called, breathless but challenging, her voice carrying over the steady drumbeat of hooves.

I smirked, pushing Badal to quicken his pace. "I was about to ask you the same thing, Princess."

Avni's eyes sparkled with playful mischief as she turned to me, a challenge glimmering there that I hadn't seen before.

"How about a race, Rudra?" she offered, her hand still on Bahadur's neck, the horse seeming to respond to her excitement.

I raised an eyebrow, matching her playful gaze with a smirk. "You're on, Princess."

"All set?" she called over, her voice light but carrying a clear note of competitiveness.

I settled into the saddle, patting Badal's neck in reassurance. "Ready when you are."

"Three... two... one..." Avni counted down, her eyes flicking forward, every line of her body bracing for the start.

And then we were off.

I smirked, pushing Badal to quicken his pace. "I was about to ask you the same thing, Princess."

As we rode, Avni suddenly pointed ahead, her eyes bright as she gestured toward a particular spot near the mountain peak, where the early morning sun cast its golden light across the rocks and trees. "That point right there," she called out, her voice full of excitement. "We'll turn back from there-and whoever gets to the stable first, wins."

I nodded, gripping the reins firmly, my eyes set on the peak. "Consider it done, Princess."

With that, we pressed onward, both of us pushing our horses to their limits. Bahadur surged ahead, responding to Avni's every cue as she leaned forward, her laughter blending with the rush of the wind. I urged Badal on, feeling the thrill of the race build as we neared the peak. The two of us moved in sync with our horses, neck and neck as we reached the marked point. She threw me a competitive glance, her grin triumphant and daring. And then, in one fluid motion, she turned Bahadur around, her horse's hooves kicking up a small cloud of dust as they took off down the mountain path.

I quickly turned Badal, urging him forward, but Avni had already gained a few strides' lead. She was clearly determined to win, and Bahadur responded to her every command with boundless energy, speeding down the slope. I pushed Badal to catch up, but Avni seemed unstoppable, her horse now just a flash of movement as she raced ahead, her laughter carried back to me by the breeze.

As we sped down the mountain trail, I watched her pull ahead, and a thought struck me-maybe I'd let her win this one. Slowing Badal just slightly, I eased my pace, letting her laughter and the sight of her disappear down the trail. If winning made her feel triumphant, then I'd let her have this victory. After all, this was her time to enjoy herself, free from royal duties and obligations.

However, as I approached the stables, something felt... off.

I slowed Badal to a halt and looked around. The stable area was quiet, and there was no sign of Avni or Bahadur. The stable keeper looked up from his work, glancing around as well, noticing my confusion.

"Avni?" I called, expecting her to appear around a corner or to hear the sound of Bahadur's hooves approaching. But there was only silence.

I dismounted, scanning the area, my mind racing. Where could she have gone? My heartbeat quickened, and I turned to the stable keeper. "Did you see the princess return?"

The stable keeper shook his head. "No, sir. I haven't seen her or Bahadur since they left with you."

My gaze darted back to the path we had just come from, a feeling of unease building in my chest. She wouldn't have gone off-trail, would she? Avni loved her freedom, but she was also cautious. Still, I knew how adventurous she could be, especially when her competitive side took over.

I took a deep breath, trying to think clearly. Where would she have gone? Why wasn't she here?

The unease gnawed at me as I walked back to the villa. Maybe she'd gone back ahead of me, or perhaps she'd thought she'd surprise me by pretending to have beaten me so thoroughly that I couldn't even see her on the way back. But as I entered, moving from room to room, scanning each corner, she was nowhere in sight.

Finally, I reached the large, sunlit lounge and opened the door, where I found her whole crew gathered-Aksh, Atharv, Ritvika, Ishani, Kabir, Viraaj, and Sarah-all sitting around, laughing about something. But no Avni.

"Where's the princess?" I asked, trying to keep the edge out of my voice, though every second without seeing her was wearing on me.

Kabir looked up from his seat, casually pointing to Ishani. "Here," he said with a smirk. "little princess, right?"

I blinked, exasperation mingling with frustration. Seriously? How could someone be this clueless? Or... maybe Kabir just enjoyed messing with me. I fought back the urge to roll my eyes, trying to keep my focus.

"Not her." I replied, keeping my voice steady. "Where's my princess?"

I scanned their faces, hoping someone would have a clue, but each of them shook their heads, looking just as surprised and clueless.

It dawned on me then. Today was the last day of our time here in Mussoorie, and it hit me: she must've taken the chance to slip away and savor her last taste of freedom. It would be exactly her style, disappearing for a few moments to savor everything-freedom, fresh air, and being just Avni, no royal title, no obligations.

But she was still unprotected out there. And with the threats looming over her...

My gaze caught Aksh's, and understanding passed between us without a word. He immediately reached for the car keys, ready to join me in the search. Atharv noticed the shift too, and without saying a word, he rose from his seat, silently following us, his face set with the same determination.

As we moved swiftly toward the front of the villa, I pulled out my phone and called Ashwin.

"Ashwin, track Avni's location-there's a tracker in her mobile. I need her coordinates, now." My tone was firm, leaving no room for questions.

We waited as the line connected, each second stretching unbearably, my heartbeat thudding with the urgency of finding her. I clenched my fists, willing myself to stay calm.

Hold on, Avni. We're coming.

The car sped along the winding roads, the heavy silence between us filled only by the hum of the engine. Each minute that passed without seeing her made my heart race faster, a cold sense of dread tightening in my chest. Ashwin was still tracking her location, but with every corner we turned, there was still no sign of Avni. The sun was higher in the sky now, casting long shadows over the hills, and the realization that she could be out there, unprotected, weighed on me.

Suddenly, a shape caught my eye at the edge of the path up ahead. My breath caught. "Aksh, stop the car," I ordered, my voice rough with tension.

The tires screeched as he brought the car to a sudden halt. I didn't wait for the vehicle to come to a complete stop-I was out of the car in an instant, my gaze locked on the familiar figure standing some distance away. Bahadur, Avni's loyal horse, stood alone on the path, his reins hanging loosely. He stomped his hooves, clearly agitated, his large brown eyes darting around as if he, too, were searching.

My heart sank. The worst fears in my mind came flooding forward, crashing against each other. Avni wasn't here. Her horse was here, but she...she was nowhere in sight.

Bahadur snorted, pawing the ground, and I could tell something had happened to spook him. Horses rarely left their riders willingly, especially not Avni. I approached Bahadur carefully, my instincts on high alert, every sense focused on the smallest detail. I could still see the faint imprint of Avni's small handprint on his neck, likely from earlier, and a few strands of her scarf were tangled around his reins, blowing in the gentle wind.

"Rudra...what does this mean?" Aksh asked, his voice edged with worry as he followed me out of the car, eyes flickering between Bahadur and the empty expanse around us.

"She's been taken," I murmured, clenching my jaw as I tried to keep my composure. But the words felt heavy, laced with the weight of a fear I had been trying to ignore since the moment she went out of my sight.

"She wouldn't leave Bahadur on his own unless..."

Unless someone had forced her.

The realization settled in, a dark, suffocating certainty. Someone had taken her. The threats... they were real. My worst fear had come true, and Avni was now in danger, right here on my watch. Anger surged through me, mingling with a sickening wave of guilt. I was supposed to protect her. I was her shadow, her bodyguard-how could I have let this happen?

I turned back to Bahadur, running a hand along his neck to calm him, silently thankful he had found his way here alone. He was agitated but unharmed, which gave me a small spark of hope that Avni might still be safe-for now.

Aksh, too, sensed the gravity of the situation, his face pale but determined. His hands tightened around the car keys as he met my gaze, silently waiting for my next move. Atharv was already on his phone, contacting the others, his jaw set in anger and fear.

"We need to retrace her steps," I said, my voice coming out rough. "Ashwin should have her last known location by now."

Seconds later, my phone buzzed, and Ashwin's voice came through. "Rudra, I've got her location-it's about two kilometers north from where you are. There's an abandoned structure near the edge of the forest line. I'm sending you the coordinates now."

I nodded, glancing at Aksh and Atharv, whose faces mirrored the same steely resolve. We were going to find her. And I swore to myself that I wouldn't rest until she was safe in my arms, far from whatever danger was lurking out there.

Without a word, we climbed back into the car.

The tension in the car was almost unbearable, a silent but shared anxiety pressing down on each of us as we drove toward the coordinates Ashwin had sent. The morning sun was rising higher, but its warmth felt distant, almost mocking, as the cold, anxious chill settled deeper in my chest.

Aksh, sitting beside me, had his fists clenched tightly, knuckles white against his jeans. I glanced at him briefly, and for a moment, I saw his tough exterior crack ever so slightly, his usually composed expression flickering with worry and helplessness.

He finally spoke, voice barely above a whisper, as if saying it any louder would make it true.

"She's strong, Rudra... she's probably stronger than any of us... But to me, she's still my little sister. I don't know what I'll do if anything-"

He cut off, his words strangled, and I could sense the pain in every syllable he forced out. I didn't reply. I couldn't. The thought of Avni-fiery, strong-willed Avni-being out there, alone, in potential danger, was almost too much for me to bear.

And I was the one tasked with protecting her. My jaw clenched, my grip tightening on the steering wheel as the same thought echoed in my mind: I can't lose her. Not her.

Finally, we reached the coordinates Ashwin had sent us, an old abandoned structure looming ahead. The building was partially concealed by the trees, looking like it hadn't been touched in years, vines growing wild over the stone. It felt hauntingly quiet, the kind of silence that presses on you, makes you hold your breath.

As we got out of the car, I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up, every instinct in me screaming that something was wrong.

And then, as we stepped closer, the sight before me made my heart stop.

Avni.

Or rather... what was left behind.

The scarf she'd been wearing lay discarded on the ground, stained with something dark, a smear that looked too much like blood. Pieces of her jewelry were scattered in the dirt-her bracelet, her earrings, one of the anklets she always wore. The delicate chain was broken, as if it had been ripped off in a struggle.

My brain went numb, freezing me in place as I processed the scene. Each item seemed to tell its own story, whispering of a moment where she fought, resisted, tried to get away. And yet...she wasn't here.

"Avni..." Aksh's voice was barely a whisper, and when I glanced at him, his face was pale, his eyes wide with horror. I could see the pain there, the helplessness that mirrored my own.

"God, no," I murmured, swallowing hard. Rage began to rise, searing through the numbness, as I took in the scene-the broken jewelry, the blood. The thought that someone had dared to lay a hand on her made my blood boil. It was like a cruel taunt, a mockery of my failure to protect her.

Atharv reached down, picking up the bracelet with trembling hands, his face twisted in anger.

"Whoever did this... we're going to make them pay. They won't get away with it."

I forced myself to take a steadying breath, pushing the anger down, letting it sharpen my focus. I couldn't afford to lose myself now. Avni needed me.

With steely focus, I pulled my gun from its holster, fingers tightening around the grip as I edged closer to the heavy door, the cold metal solid and reassuring against my palm. Every muscle in my body was tense, every sense heightened, braced for whatever lay beyond. Aksh and Atharv stood close behind, breaths shallow, eyes locked on the door with the same dreadful anticipation.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself, and then, with a swift motion, pushed the door open.

The sight before me struck like a physical blow, knocking the air from my lungs. My vision swam, and for a moment, it felt as though the ground had vanished beneath my feet.

There, in front of me-

"Avni..." Her name left my lips in a broken whisper, barely audible.

I couldn't move. I couldn't breathe. My body was frozen, trapped between shock and horror, as my mind struggled to process what I was seeing.

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Chapter 17 - 15. where's she?