You are mine only (Sequel)

9. Stranger

Leena stood alone on the beach in the middle of the night, inhaling the crisp, chilly air. She wrapped her arms around herself and turned towards her father, Vimal Kaushik, who had called out to her.

"Dad," she responded softly.

Vimal approached her slowly, his gaze shifting to the dark sky, just as she had been moments before. Concern lined his face as he spoke, "Why are you standing here alone in the middle of the night? Don't you want to sleep?"

"The day was busy but filled with joy. I've cherished this brief vacation. Tonight is our last night at this beach, and we'll be leaving tomorrow to return to work. I wanted to spend some time here," Leena replied. Her father noticed the worry etched in her expression and sighed, glancing at his daughter.

"I understand your concerns about the condition of the Kaushik Group. But everything will work out fine. So, don't worry and get some sleep. You must be tired," he reassured her.

The Kaushik Group was facing challenges in their business, and their only daughter was diligently striving to save the company. Although the business wasn't large, the family relied on it, and Leena had stepped in to help when her father was no longer able to manage it.

Despite her background in fashion design and limited business experience, she had left her job and joined the family business to lend a hand. However, despite her efforts, she struggled to save the small company. The family was burdened by stress and tension, prompting Leena to plan a short vacation with her parents. Yet, after just three nights, they would soon return to work, and stress would once again consume them.

Leena pondered the next steps to take in order to save their business.

"Dad... I'm not tired. I'm just thinking about what I can do to rescue our business," she murmured, her voice low and subdued. Vimal placed his hand on her forehead and smiled sadly.

"If fate intends to bring us down, my dear, there's little we can do to stop it. Let us entrust it to God. He will decide our fate," he said.

Leena turned her head, her eyes meeting her father's melancholic gaze. "I'm sorry, Dad. I'm just not capable enough to help you. I'm doing my best to negotiate with larger companies, but they refuse to respond to us simply because we're small and insignificant. I just need a chance to stand up," she sighed, shaking her head. Vimal nodded and offered a faint smile.

"Our efforts will never be in vain. Don't worry. Get some rest. We'll brainstorm new strategies once we return," he assured her.

Leena nodded sadly, unable to meet her father's gaze. Vimal turned and began walking back towards the resort. Leena tightened her embrace, her heart heavy with tension. Her business was on the verge of ruin. She turned her gaze towards the vast, infinite sea, contemplating how a fisherman finds pearls from its depths, transforming them into treasures that lift his family out of poverty and despair. She found herself yearning for an angel to emerge from the sea like one of those pearls, capable of saving her family from their impending ruin.

She let out a sarcastic snort, her wish seeming far-fetched and unrealistic.

As Leena shifted her gaze away from the sea and towards her father's frail and helpless figure, her eyes froze. They landed on the sea waves that had washed up an unexpected arrival onto the shore. Uncertain if it was a person or not, her shock turned to wide-eyed astonishment as the waves tossed the body onto the sandy beach.

"Oh... What on earth!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief.

"Dad!" she shouted, sprinting towards the body. Vimal Kaushik turned around, his eyes following his daughter's frantic run. However, her focus was on the motionless figure sprawled on the sand. Filled with fear, he hurried over to the wet and unconscious person.

Leena reached the scene, halting in fear. It was indeed a man, battered with bruises and swollen all over. His torn white shirt and grey pants bore witness to his ordeal. Vimal joined his daughter, noticing her shock and awe-stricken expression as she stared at the injured stranger. The man lay face-down on the damp sand, his tall and sturdy frame now a portrait of pain. The cold night air only added to the chilling atmosphere.

Vimal asked, his voice tinged with panic.

"Who is he? How did he end up here?"

Leena glanced at her father, her voice trembling with fear as she spoke. "I have no idea. I just saw the waves carry him ashore."

Vimal studied the man's well-built arms, adorned with an expensive wristwatch. He wiped his face and turned his attention back to Leena.

"Is he alive?"

"I don't think so. I'm terrified, Dad," Leena responded, her panic palpable.

Taking a deep breath, Vimal bent down and felt the man's pulse, carefully monitoring his veins. After a moment, he glanced at Leena in amazement, releasing his grip on the stranger's wrist.

"Leena, he's alive. His pulse is weak, but it's there," he declared, a mix of astonishment and relief in his voice.