A Worry

GAURI

After struggling to focus, I asked Mrs. Anuradha if I could leave early since I wasn't feeling well. I hurried home, eager to share what happened with Mom. Arriving at our rented two-story house, I unlocked the door and stepped into the dark hallway.

"Mom?" I called out, closing the door quietly and setting down my handbag. Since she wasn't working today, where could she be? "Mom!"

"Gauri?"

I looked up to see Mom standing at the top of the stairs with a duster in hand, her hair tied back. I hurried up the creaky steps, the old wood groaning under my weight.

"Careful, Gauri!" Mom exclaimed as I reached the top, still holding onto the bannister.

"Mom, we have a problem," I said, brushing my hair back and walking into the larger of the two bedrooms—the one that's mine, as Mom said I would need the space once the babies arrived.

The room was pleasant, with sunlight streaming through ornate windows, casting patterns on the ceiling. The floral patchwork bedding added a homely touch to the wooden bed. I flopped down, gripping the sides and taking a deep breath.

"Omkara is coming for the New Year's Eve ball, Mom," I said, frowning.

Mom's initial confusion turned to shock and then worry. She set down the duster, shaking her head. "No, there must be a mistake, Gauri. He would never come here, not only..." She trailed off, quickly going to the window and closing it before turning back to me. "We need to be careful."

"There's no mistake. He's coming," I whispered, trying to keep my voice down. "Mom, Kabir got a call while I was there and told me himself."

Mom frowned. "Gauri, I've told you before that I don't like you spending time with him unnecessarily. Remember, this man is known to be dangerous."

I sighed, tilting my head. "Mom, we've only heard negative things from our old packs. There's always more to a story. And we have to remember it's Kabir who has given us a home. I try to stay professional and polite, but I can't be hostile or rude."

"I understand, but he's still a dangerous man," Mom warned, sitting on the bed with a deep sigh.

"I know... and he invited me to the function too."

"Absolutely not," Mom said worriedly.

I gave her a pointed look. "Yes, I know, Mom... and I understand I need to avoid Omkara at all costs. He found out about the pregnancy..."

I quickly explained the situation, and Mom's face turned pale as she stared at me. I paced the room restlessly, which only increased my anxiety.

"Oh no, Gauri, this is making me uneasy. You need to contact Bhavya immediately. We need more information."

"Mm... I feel uneasy too. Remember when we considered leaving the country? We were being watched. What if Omkara is trying to find me?" I bit my thumb, lost in thought.

"Don't say that. Let's stay positive."

"I'm just considering the possibilities, Mom," I said, sighing.

"I know, with your pregnancy and health, you're in a vulnerable state. The rejection is making you weaker, and it's a relief that Kabir can't sense you're the daughter of an Alpha due to your weakened state," she replied.

I frowned. I don't think it's just the rejection. My health is deteriorating, despite what I've told Mom. I rub my stomach, hoping the babies are okay...

"Call Bhavya and ask her what's happening. Why is Omkara coming? We can't move right now either," Mom said worriedly.

"Yes, Mom, I'll do that. Please try not to worry too much. We'll handle it," I replied. I sat down beside her and hugged her tightly, feeling guilty for causing her so much stress.

I moved back and messaged Bhavya to call me as soon as she could, knowing she keeps her phone switched off.

"Get some rest, Gauri. We need to come up with a solid, reasonable excuse to refuse Kabir's invitation to the ball," Mom said.

I nodded. "Yes, I'll think of something. We have over a week."

Mom left the room, and I lay down on my bed, one hand under my face and the other resting on my belly as I stared out the window. When will things get easier?

My phone rang, and I quickly answered.

"Hello," I said, sitting up. Mom hurried back into the room and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Hey, you asked me to call?" Bhavya asked quietly.

"Yes, I just heard that Omkara wants to come to the White Forest New Year's Eve Ball. He never does. Why is he risking his safety now?" I asked.

"Are you sure? Because I don't think he will," she sounded doubtful.

"No, he's planning to. The Alpha here confirmed it. There must be a reason for his sudden decision."

"I'm not sure, Gauri, but I'll ask Rudra," she offered, making me tense.

"No, they're best friends. Plus, I know you two clash."

"It's alright, Gauri. Besides, Rudra understands why you're doing what you're doing. He said, 'She's still the Luna in my eyes.'"

I couldn't help but smile at that. "So, is he happy to be an uncle?" I teased.

"We aren't together. What do you mean, uncle?" she protested.

I chuckled. "Well, he's still their uncle... just like Omkara is their father."

She sighed in relief. "Ah, you scared me! I thought you meant the two of us. Anyway, I'll ask Rudra. If he's going, I'll ask him to bring me too. I want to see you."

"That's risky," Mom whispered.

"I'll be careful, don't worry, Ms. Devi," Bhavya reassured Mom.

"Well, if you find out anything, please let me know and keep me updated," I said before ending the call.

Mom patted my shoulder. "We'll be okay," she promised before leaving the room.

Half an hour later, I managed to get chicken, potatoes, and other fresh produce at the farmers' market, catching them just as they were closing for the night.

We were never short of money growing up, but Mom always taught me to be sensible with it. "You can earn thousands in a day, but unless you spend wisely, you'll save nothing," I murmured to myself, looking at the apple in my hand.

A memory of Omkara eating an apple after his morning workout came to mind—drenched in sweat, his black hair tousled, and those grey sweatpants I loved. It's moments like this that remind me how different my life is now.

Four months have passed, but he still crosses my mind daily.

The setting sun made the apple look even more vibrant. I bit into it just as a shadow fell over me.

I looked up, surprised I hadn't noticed him approaching. I forced a smile and greeted Kabir.

"Oh hello," I said.

"We run into each other again," he said charmingly. His dark brown hair looked golden in the sun.

"Yes..." I replied, starting to walk when he grabbed my arm. My heart skipped a beat, and unease washed over me.

"Can I help you, Kabir?" I asked sharply.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to alarm you. I just thought you might need a lift. I was calling you, but you seemed distracted," he said, pointing to his sleek car.

I glanced around, feeling the eyes of people on us. His attention was causing unnecessary gossip.

"Of course," I said, thinking it might be a chance to tell him I couldn't attend the party.

He held the door open for me, and I slipped inside while he placed the bags in the trunk.

What kind of relationship are we developing now that he's helping with my shopping and offering lifts?

"What kind of music do you like?" he asked as he fiddled with the radio.

"Desi," I replied without thinking.

He put on some desi music and leaned over, grabbing my seatbelt. His arm brushed my chest, and we both froze, our eyes meeting. I pressed back into my seat, and he quickly looked away, buckling the belt. The car felt too tight.

I struggled with the idea of refusing, but it might seem too suspicious if I brought it up again.

"Gauri?"

"Yes, Kabir..." I began. He looked at me and smiled faintly.

"Finally, after months of asking you to call me that," he said, brushing my hair from my face. My breath hitched. "Sorry, it's tempting."

"It's okay," I replied, though I felt very uncomfortable. "You were saying?"

"Oh, yes." He shook his head. "I was wondering what pack you're from. Your mother mentioned the Oak Tree Pack, but you seem more like a city girl." He chuckled.

I tilted my head. "We are from the Oak Tree Pack, but I studied in the city. Maybe that's why."

"Ah, I see." He smiled, and I returned it. His question made me uneasy. Does he think we're lying about something?

It might be time for us to leave this pack.

I turned my head to look out the window as darkness fell over the town, feeling the fear of an uncertain future.

"Gauri..." I look back at him as he reaches over, giving my hand a gentle yet firm squeeze. "I know you're running from your ex, and I understand if you don't want to talk about him. But I want you to know that you're safe here. I won't ask you about your past again. I'm sorry."

I smile, looking down at his large hand resting over mine. "Thank you," I say quietly.

I know I can't fully trust him, but for now, at least, we are safe here.