echoes of the blast
Avni
📍 Haridwar Multi-speciality Hospital
Haridwar, Uttrakhand
India.
The first thing I became aware of was the beeping sound, steady and rhythmic.
It seemed to echo in my mind, pulling me from the depths of unconsciousness. My eyelids felt heavy as I tried to open them, and a dull ache spread through my body.
The sterile scent of antiseptics filled the air, confirming that I was in a hospital.
I slowly opened my eyes and found myself staring at the ceiling.
The room was dimly lit, and it took a moment for my vision to adjust.
I could feel a soft, warm pressure on my hand. Turning my head slightly, I saw my parents sitting beside my bed. My mother, her face etched with worry, was holding my hand tightly. My father sat next to her, his eyes red from lack of sleep and worry.
"Avni," my mother whispered, her voice breaking as she saw my eyes open. "Thank God you're awake."
My father leaned in closer, his usually strong and commanding presence now vulnerable.
"How do you feel, beta?" he asked gently.
I tried to speak, but my throat was dry, and all that came out was a croak. My mother quickly poured some water into a glass and helped me take a sip.
The cool liquid soothed my parched throat, and I managed to whisper, "What happened?"
Before they could answer, I noticed my brother, Aksh Bhai, standing at the doorway, speaking with a doctor. He glanced over and saw that I was awake, excusing himself from the conversation and walking over to my bed.
"How is she?" he asked the doctor, his voice laced with concern.
"She's stable now," the doctor replied. "But she needs to rest and recover. The injuries were severe, but she's strong."
Aksh Bhai nodded and came to stand by my bedside. "You're safe now, Avni. We were so worried."
As they spoke, a nurse entered the room and turned on the TV mounted on the wall.
The news channel was broadcasting a special report, and the words
"Breaking News"
flashed across the screen. My attention was immediately drawn to the reporter, who was speaking with a grave expression.
"...the recent bomb blast in Haridwar has been confirmed as a terrorist attack. Authorities report that dozens are injured, many are dead, and several people are still missing. The blast has left the community in shock, and rescue operations are ongoing..."
A wave of guilt and sorrow washed over me as I listened to the report. I had been unable to save those people.
As a princess, it was my duty to protect them, and I had failed.
Tears filled my eyes, and I turned my head away from the screen.
"I couldn't save them," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I should have done more."
My father squeezed my hand, his expression pained but resolute.
"Avni, you did everything you could. You were brave and tried to help. No one could have anticipated this attack."
"But it was my responsibility," I insisted, my heart heavy with regret. "I should have been stronger."
"We're all devastated by what happened," my mother said softly.
"But blaming yourself won't change anything. You need to focus on getting better."
_________________________________________________________________
Over the next week, I remained in the hospital, haunted by the memories of that day.
I relived the terror and chaos in my dreams, waking up in a cold sweat each time.
My family stayed by my side, offering their support and comfort.
Yet, the guilt and regret gnawed at me, a constant reminder of my perceived failure.
__________________________________________________________________
Finally, after a week, I was discharged and allowed to return home. I threw myself into my daily routine with a fierce determination, desperate to regain my strength.
Every morning, I practiced fencing, pushing myself harder than ever before.
The physical exertion was a welcome distraction from the pain and sorrow that plagued me.
I found myself in the training hall, practicing fencing as part of my daily routine. The familiar clinks and clangs of swords filled the air as I moved through the drills. Each thrust and parry was fueled by the pain and regret that still lingered within me.
As I was practicing in the courtyard, my mind wandered back to the events of the attack.
The image of Malini's frightened face and the screams of the people filled my thoughts.
I tightened my grip on the Sword and lunged forward, my movements fueled by frustration and anguish.I moved with speed and precision, each strike more powerful than the last.
My muscles burned, but I welcomed the pain. It was a reminder of my resolve to never be helpless again. Sweat dripped down my face, and my breathing grew ragged.
But no matter how hard I fought, the memories of that day clung to me, refusing to let go.
I could hear the whispers of the court and the servants as they watched me. They pitied me, I knew. They saw the haunted look in my eyes, the way my shoulders slumped under the weight of my guilt. But I couldn't afford their pity. I needed to be strong, to be the princess my people needed.
"Focus, Avni," I muttered to myself, trying to regain control. But the images of the blast and the faces of those lost kept intruding on my thoughts.
Suddenly, I felt my balance falter. My foot slipped, and I stumbled, the sword slipping from my grasp.
I was about to hit the ground when a strong arm caught me, steadying me.
"Careful, Princess," a deep voice said, and I looked up to see a muscular man with piercing eyes staring directly at me.
The man was tall and muscular, his presence commanding. There was something familiar about him, but I couldn't place where I had seen him before.
"Who are you?" I asked, my heart pounding from the exertion and the sudden appearance of this stranger.
"Rudra Singhaniya," he replied, his grip on my arm firm but gentle.
"I've been assigned to protect you by your father."
His words took a moment to sink in. "Protect me? Why would I need protection?"
"Given the recent events, your father is concerned for your safety,"
Rudra explained. "He wants to ensure that you are well-guarded at all times."
I pulled away from his grasp, feeling a mix of anger and frustration. "I don't need protection," I snapped. "I can take care of myself."
"With all due respect, Princess," Rudra said, his tone respectful yet firm,
"it's not just about your safety. It's about ensuring you can continue your duties without the fear of another attack."
His words hit harder than I wanted to admit. He was right. The attack had shown me how vulnerable I really was. As much as I hated the idea of being guarded, I couldn't deny the necessity.
Rudra's gaze was steady, his posture unyielding. "I'm here to assist you, whether you want it or not. Your father believes it's necessary, and I intend to fulfill my duty."
I clenched my fists, feeling the familiar frustration surge through me. But there was no point in arguing. Rudra's expression made it clear that he wasn't going anywhere.
"Fine," I said, my voice tight with resignation. "But don't expect me to make it easy for you."
A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
As he released his hold, a strange mix of relief and tension washed over me.
I couldn't help but feel that his presence meant more than just precaution. There was something about him-something calm, yet dangerous-that made me feel... safe.
Maybe, just maybe, having Rudra around wouldn't be so bad after all.
But even as I returned to my practice, a nagging feeling remained. This was only the beginning.
The next chapter of my life had begun, and I had a feeling it would be filled with new challenges—and unexpected alliances.
(✧｡✿｡✧)