The men forced their way inside.
Arjun stepped in front of Meera and Anya.
"She's not going anywhere," he said.
The tallest man laughed.
"You think a mechanic from a small town can stop us?"
Before Arjun could answer, the man threw a punch.
Arjun stumbled—but hit back harder.
A chair crashed.
Anya screamed.
Meera cried out.
The small house turned into chaos.
Arjun fought like a man who had already lost too much.
He landed blow after blow until one of the men pulled out a knife.
"ARJUN!" Meera screamed.
The blade flashed.
Arjun dodged just in time, but the knife sliced his arm.
Blood ran down his sleeve.
Still, he didn't step back.
Hearing the noise, neighbors began shouting outside. Lights turned on across the lane.
The men cursed.
"This isn't over," the leader spat. "Mr. Rajveer Malhotra wants the child."
The child?
Arjun's blood ran cold.
They left.
The moment the door slammed shut, Meera collapsed.
Arjun held his bleeding arm and stared at her.
"Why do they want Anya?"
Meera looked terrified.
"There's something I didn't tell you."
Arjun's voice hardened. "Tell me now."
She looked at sleeping, frightened Anya and whispered,
"Anya isn't just their granddaughter… she is the legal heir to everything."
Arjun frowned.
"What?"
Meera wiped her tears.
"My husband's father, Rajveer Malhotra, owns properties, companies, and hidden money. His son died. There are no other children. If Anya grows up alive… everything could legally become hers."
Arjun understood instantly.
"They don't want to protect her," he said. "They want control."
Meera nodded.
"They will either use her… or make her disappear."
A heavy silence filled the room.
Then Arjun made a decision.
"We leave tonight."
Meera stared at him.
"Where?"
"To Kolkata," Arjun said. "My old friend Ravi lives there. He can help."
They packed quickly.
One small bag.
A little cash.
A child half-asleep in her mother's arms.
Before dawn, they boarded a crowded bus out of town.
As rain hit the windows, Meera looked at Arjun.
"Why are you helping me?" she asked softly.
Arjun didn't look at her.
"Because I loved you once."
Meera's heart sank.
"Once?"
Arjun finally turned toward her.
His eyes were filled with pain.
"I don't know what's left now."