(Jeevika, haunted by the terrifying memories of her kidnapping and near assault, receives a hopeful call from Yash, who comes to take her away from the women’s shelter. Excited yet nervous, she leaves the shelter, only to be stunned by a grand new house. Her relief turns to horror when goons attack her at the mansion, blaming her for Gumna’s death. Shockingly, Yash refuses to protect her. As she faces the menacing old man demanding a false statement against Inspector Abhay, Jeevika struggles to stay loyal to the truth, even with a gun pressed to her head. Going ahead)
COURAGE UNDER FIRE
BANG!
The sound tore through the air.
Jeevika’s eyes flew open. The old man was clutching his hand, blood dripping between his fingers, the gun clattering to the floor.
It was Inspector Abhay Singh. He stepped forward, a faint smile on his lips. “So… you’re planning to trap me by using this girl?”
The old man’s eyes blazed. “You killed my sons, and yet you dare to come here!”
Abhay raised his gun and fired into the air. The deafening crack sent a shiver through the room.
In an instant, a squad of policemen stormed in, moving with lightning speed. They overpowered the goons one after another, their training showing in every swift, precise move.
Any man who got close to Jeevika was met with Abhay’s bullet.
Suddenly, a goon aimed directly at Abhay and fired—but Abhay dodged with razor-sharp reflexes. The attacker’s eyes shifted to Jeevika, finger tightening on the trigger.
BANG!
Abhay threw himself between them, taking the bullet in his shoulder.
“Inspector!” Jeevika screamed, her voice raw with panic.
Blood seeped through his uniform, but Abhay kept fighting—punching, kicking, and shooting with unyielding determination. One by one, the goons fell, their resistance crushed under his sheer will and bravery.
...
Jeevika’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at the blood on Abhay’s shoulder.
“It’s okay,” Inspector Abhay said, his voice steady despite the pain. “Are you fine?”
Jeevika took his hand and pressed it gently to her forehead. “You saved my life. I will repay you… definitely.”
---
Later, at the hospital, Jeevika sat in the waiting area, still crying.
Dr. Sakhi approached with a warm smile. “He’s fine. Why are you crying? Did you get hurt?”
Jeevika shook her head. “The inspector is injured because of me.”
“It’s okay,” Dr. Sakhi said gently. “That’s his duty. But… there is a way you can pay him back.”
Jeevika wiped her tears. “How?”
Dr. Sakhi leaned closer. “Don’t tell anyone what happened that night.”
Jeevika instantly replied, “Which night?”
Dr. Sakhi burst into laughter. “You’re so smart.”
...
Jeevika sat in silence, lost in thought. She had left the women’s shelter… only for her own husband, Yash, to hand her over to the goons. All her belongings were gone—left behind in that old man’s house.
Her mind drifted back to her marriage. She and Yash had once been on the verge of a grand wedding celebration. But before the rituals could begin, Yash’s family had demanded a huge dowry. The marriage was called off.
Even so, she and Yash eventually married in secret. At first, Yash tried to persuade her—sometimes gently, sometimes forcefully—to be physically intimate, but Jeevika wasn’t ready.
Then he told her, “Stay at the women’s shelter for now. Once my parents agree, I’ll bring you home.”
She had believed him.
But now… he had thrown her into the hands of goons to save his own life.
An officer placed a suitcase in front of Jeevika.
She gave a faint smile. “Every lost thing can’t be found… but still, thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” the officer replied gently. “Come on, I’ll drop you back at your shelter.”
......
Jeevika smiled faintly and settled into the jeep’s seat. “What’s your name, sir?”
“Kundan Mishra,” the officer replied.
Jeevika looked at him with gratitude. “Thank you for saving me. You, your team, and Inspector Singh all risked your lives for me.”
Kundan smiled. “Thank you too—you risked your life but still refused to give any false statement against our Abhay sir.”
Soon, the jeep pulled up to the women’s shelter. Rekha, Damini, and all the women rushed out to welcome her warmly.
As Kundan drove away, Damini glanced at the other women. “Do you all know… I told you she’d be back to the shelter, didn’t I?”
....
Jeevika was walking back from the temple when her eyes caught a sudden movement ahead. A man was trying to snatch a woman’s purse.
“Thief! Thief!” Jeevika shouted, her voice cutting through the air.
The woman instantly tightened her grip on her purse, startled and alert now.
A constable, stationed a little farther away, heard the commotion and began running toward them.
In the struggle, the woman lost her balance and fell to the ground.
The thief wrenched the purse from the woman’s hands and bolted.
But Jeevika, remembering Inspector Abhay’s bravery, refused to just stand by. She snatched up a medium-sized stone from the roadside and hurled it with all her strength.
THUD!
The stone struck the thief squarely, sending him sprawling to the ground.
The constable pounced, pinning him down, while the shaken woman hurried over to snatch her purse back.
Jeevika hurried to the fallen woman. “Are you fine, ma’am?”
The woman caught her breath and smiled. “Thank you for helping me, my child. I’m very grateful.”
Jeevika returned a small smile.
“What’s your name?” the woman asked.
“Jeevika.”
“And… are you studying?”
The smile faded from Jeevika’s face. She shook her head.
“But you’re so young—you should still be in college” the woman said softly.
Jeevika’s eyes filled with tears.
“I’m sorry if I hurt you,” the woman added quickly.
Just then, a car pulled up. She climbed into the back seat, handing Jeevika a card. “If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to contact me.”
Jeevika continued walking toward the shelter, but her mind slipped back to another time…
---
Flashback
“What? Have you lost your mind? What is your age, and you’re talking about marriage?” her father shouted.
“I’m 18, Dad. I’m old enough to marry,” Jeevika fired back.
Her mother’s voice was gentle. “But daughter, focus on your studies and your career first. You’ve just entered college. Why are you rushing into marriage?”
“Mom! Yash’s parents are looking for a bride for him. I can’t lose him.”
“You will not marry that scoundrel,” her father thundered.
“Don’t speak about him like that! I love him!” she screamed before storming into her room and slamming the door.
---
Present
Jeevika sat alone in her shelter room, whispering to herself, “You were right, Dad. If I’d listened to you… today, I’d be happy.”
...
1. Will Jeevika finally find true safety and peace at the women’s shelter, or is danger still lurking nearby?
2. How will Jeevika cope with Yash’s betrayal, and can she ever trust him again after he handed her to the goons?
3. Will Jeevika continue to act bravely like Inspector Abhay inspired her to, and what challenges will test her courage next?
...
Want to know what happens next? Keep reading "Courage of Heart”
