Priya nodded, taking in the information about Priyank’s involvement with the mafia. It explained his fighting skills and the air of danger that seemed to surround him. Despite her reservations about his character, she couldn’t deny that his presence during the training would be a valuable asset.
“Well, if you’re willing to join us, Priyank, your experience and expertise will certainly be helpful,” Maya said, trying to maintain a neutral tone. “As long as you’re committed to learning and working together with the rest of us.”
Priyank met her gaze, his eyes intense and unwavering. “I am fully committed, Maya.”
Maya nodded, a slight smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “It’s settled then. Priya, Rish, Levi, and Priyank will begin their training tomorrow morning. We’ll meet in the training grounds at sunrise. Be prepared to work hard and push yourselves to your limits.”
Priyank nodded his head, not quite sure why he had revealed his mafia connections and his involvement in the underworld. Even his mother was unaware of his true nature.
His mother hated anything that shed blood or had the potential to harm him, but in this situation, it was different.
Everyone here seemed to understand the necessity of his skills and took the information in a positive manner, except for Priya. He could see the shock written all over her face when he admitted to being part of the mafia.
But what could he do? He thought it was better to be clear and didn’t want to keep it hidden, at least not from Priya. He didn’t care if anyone else figured it out, as long as his mother remained oblivious. Knowing her, he knew she would cry and fall ill if she ever discovered the truth.
Anyone in the world could find out about his involvement, but not his mother. It was crucial to keep it hidden from her to protect her well-being.
Priya took a deep breath, trying to process the revelation about Priyank’s mafia connections. While she was unsettled by this information, she knows she can’t do anything about it.
“Then settle, be ready from tomorrow,” Maya said, and everyone walked back inside their room.
Priya spoke hesitantly, as soon as she entered the room. “Priyank, can I talk to you for a moment?”
Priyank turned to face her, his expression guarded. “Sure, what is it?”
Priya looked at Priyank with concern in her eyes. “Is that safe? Like you being in the Mafia, and you are a billionaire too, is that gonna be okay to stay here for you?” she asked sincerely.
Priyank was surprised by her words, having expected judgment or criticism. He nodded slowly, a hint of respect in his eyes. “Only my mother doesn’t know about it, Angel, but nothing’s gonna affect my stay here, so don’t worry,” he reassured her.
She raised an eyebrow. “I just want to make sure you’re not putting yourself at risk by being here.”
Priyank’s expression softened, touched by her genuine concern for his well-being. “I appreciate your worry, Priya, but I assure you that I’ve taken all necessary measures to keep my involvement with the mafia separate from my public life. My presence here won’t jeopardise anyone’s safety, including my own.”
Priya nodded, feeling somewhat reassured by his confidence. “Alright.”
Priya took a deep breath, considering Priyank’s words. She realised that he had already shared a significant piece of information with her and the group, demonstrating his confidence in his actions and decisions.
She hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “I talked to Mother Mary that day when you were outside and got attacked. She didn’t tell me that you were with me, but she mentioned that you wanted to burn the orphanage down. Why didn’t you go through with it?” Priya questioned, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Priyank sighed, clearly remembering how close he had come to burning down the entire orphanage when Mary refused to give him any information about Priya. He had been so blinded by anger that he wanted to destroy everything, all because of Priya’s decision to run away.
But the thought of her face had snapped him out of his rage. “I don’t want you to hate me more than you already do for killing your dog,” he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. “But in that situation, if I hadn’t met you, I would have done the same thing I did that day with your dog. Now that I think about it, it was unnecessary.”
Priya was taken aback by his honesty and the vulnerability he displayed in that moment. She could see the remorse in his eyes.
“I appreciate your honesty, Priyank,” she said softly. “But I can’t forget or forgive you for what happened to my dog.”
She could never forget how painfully her dog had died in her arms. It felt as if someone was stabbing her repeatedly, and she was the one who had died.
Killing an animal was the worst thing someone could do. Even though from childhood, the one and only thing she had learned was to forgive people, this was the one thing she couldn’t forgive at all.
She could forget his actions, the way he had threatened her, raised his hands on her before, or even kidnapped her more than once. She could even try to forgive his attempt at forcing her into marriage.
But killing her beloved dog was off the table. He could change and become a total saint, but this fact would never change, ever.
Priyank could sense the pain and anger in Priya’s voice. He knew that what he had done was unforgivable, and he couldn’t blame her for feeling the way she did.
“I know,” he said softly, his head bowed in shame. “What I did was inexcusable, and I don’t expect you to forgive me.”
Priya just heard his words and replied with nothing.
“But maybe you can put it aside and see how much I am trying hard. In my life, I have never tried to change for anyone. I’m not saying that you should appreciate it, but then again, I would be glad if you could,” Priyank’s voice filled with roughness again, but with a bit of emotion.
Priya just looked into his eyes, trying to figure out what was going on inside his head.