Looking for refuge

Payu's eyes lit up with relief as he heard the door open and his friend, Rohan, walk in. Rohan's eyes scanned the room, taking in the scene before him. He saw Payu tied up on the floor, his father unconscious nearby, and his expression darkened with concern. "Payu, what happened?" Rohan rushed over to his friend, quickly assessing the situation. He saw the belts tied around Payu's wrists and ankles and his eyes narrowed in anger. Without hesitation, Rohan began to untie Payu, his hands moving swiftly and carefully to release his friend from his restraints...

As the belts fell away, Payu felt a surge of relief wash over him. He was finally free. Rohan helped him sit up, and Payu rubbed his sore wrists, trying to get the circulation back. Rohan's eyes scanned Payu's body, taking in the bruises and welts from the beating. His expression turned grim, and he muttered a curse under his breath. "We need to get you out of here," Rohan said, his voice low and urgent. "Now." Payu nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. Rohan helped him stand up, and they both looked over at Payu's father, who was still lying unconscious on the floor. For a moment, they just stood there, frozen in uncertainty...

As they walked to Rohan's house, Payu felt a sense of relief wash over him. He was safe now, away from his father's wrath. Rohan's house was just a few streets away, and they walked in silence, Payu's eyes fixed on the ground. When they arrived, Rohan's mother, Mrs. Kumar, greeted them warmly. She was a kind-hearted woman with a warm smile, and Payu had always felt welcome in her home. "Payu, beta, what happened?" she asked, her eyes scanning his bruised face. Rohan quickly filled her in on the situation, and Mrs. Kumar's expression turned stern. "You're staying here with us tonight, Payu," she said firmly. "We'll figure out what to do next in the morning." Payu nodded gratefully, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the Kumar's...

Payu spent the night with his friend and his family, as Rohan's mom took care of the bruises on his skin.

The next morning,as Rohan and Payu approached their home, Payu's father was sitting on the couch, looking surprisingly calm and composed. He even forced a weak smile, which made Payu's instincts scream in warning. "Hey, son," he said, his voice dripping with insincerity. "I'm sorry about what happened yesterday. I was just really stressed out, and I took it out on you. It won't happen again." Payu's eyes narrowed, unsure of what to make of his father's sudden change in behavior. Rohan, sensing Payu's unease, gave him a reassuring nod before turning to leave. "I'll catch you later, Payu," he said, his eyes flicking warily towards Payu's father. Then he left.

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