"Scared is what you're feeling. Brave is what you're doing."
MEERA
Balancing the consolidated certificate, huge flower bouquet in one hand, I pushed the door inside.
It was my graduation today, it was nerve wrecking to say the least. I mean it was one thing to get noticed as student with second highest academic score but I was more recognized as the elder daughter in law of Rajvansh family, the owners of the ARMS University. Dad being the university's trustee was present, clapping the loudest when my name was announced. Not caring about the obvious attention, I even reached to take his blessings. The pride reflected in his eyes was enough to make me shed few tears.
Then he departed to attend some serious boring get together with his official partners. Afterwards it was people gawking at whatever I do. I was even suspicious if reporters were in cover up around.
Not to forget I was the only married student in our department.
I was so grateful not to trip on my feet and make a smooth appearance. I surely doubt my smile, with all nerves going haywire, it would look more like a grimace.
Anyways, I made a dash out of the ceremony to library. My mood was slightly deflated as none from my both families could make it on time, Arjun left first thing in earliest morning with couple of messages and promising me he'd definitely talk about everything in the evening.
This time I'd make sure he'd not go back on his word. Going on full strict wife mode with him. I giggled at my own thought.
Hearing the sound, Mr. Sharman glanced from his newspaper at me. I walked up to his desk with a huge smile, the corners of his eyes crinkled behind his glasses.
"Good morning technically its afternoon." I greeted him placing the bouquet on the table once he cleared a small space.
"And what might be the young highness of Rajvansh family doing in this library?" he teases taking his glasses off.
My nose scrunches up, "You better stop it sir, I had enough of it since morning."
I drag the closet chair to sit, the library is empty obviously. The faint hollers of students still could be heard from downstairs, the ceremony took place in main academic hall which was quite a walk from our biotech department.
Oh, I should probably stop calling it ours. We're ex-students now.
He chuckles as I huff getting comfortable in the seat, he resumes his position and we make a small conversation. He asks me about my future plans, I was satisfied he didn't presume like few professors that I wouldn't have any due to my new influential surname.
Dad was right people would pass judgment no matter what I decide to take the step. Though I'm not going to freak out because I'm assured mom and dad are both there for me.
So I reveal bits about taking interest in science journalism, surprising me Mr. Sharman provides me with useful insights. This is the advantage to get advice from experienced people, you could get clearer with different perspectives.
"It's going to take you initially a lot of patience to find your footing but I trust my best student." He says patting my hand with a gentle smile.
The door of the library is suddenly opened, Professor Sharma step inside. I get up controlling my startled expression and greet him for the day. He nods acknowledging, eyes shifting to my memo on the desk.
I try not to tip my head proudly as I have banged a gold medal in his subject-Biochemistry. No need to show off though my giddy smile is hard to hide.
"Congratulations, it was unexpected truly." He says with a forced smile.
I internally sigh not to feel disappointed by my professor's dull reaction and thank him with a halfhearted smile.
"Her percentage was not only high in this academic year but she created a new record. Mr. Sharman response interjects the awkward air, "I believe her hard work deserves honest praise Naveen. Out of all, you as her Professor should be proud of her."
I gape at the old man for his audacity, as Professor Sharma avoids his intelligent eyes.
"He is my nephew," Mr. Sharman fills my curiosity.
"It's not like I'm not happy just surprised. Anyways, Meera I hope to see your progress continues even in future," He offers a small smile, his skepticism is still evident.
Why it is difficult for professors to accept their assumptions about a student was wrong?
I didn't want to hold any sort of bitterness, so smiling confidently, "Certainly it will, sir."
Librarian Sharman sir shakes his head once professor Sharma leaves the library, "I'm sure you'd outshine, he says, my smile reemerges, "After all, I have helped you many times with getting longer access on books."
My phone buzzes, I lift my hand unlocking and reading the text from Ayesha.
"Emergency situation, waiting for you near the front gates."
I hate her cryptic messages, she has this bad habit of leaving the person on the other side guessing about the situation.
Rushing to the outside of the main gate, I search for the familiar sky blue hijab, I sigh walking to the girl. A whizz of dizziness make me stumble, I blink my eyes until it settle down. I huff in annoyance, this is what happens, if you miss the breakfast. I'm surely going to get earful from mom once she finds it from house help.
Ayesha had texted me' Emergency' and to meet her at the given spot. I absolutely dislike when she gives such cryptic texts leaving the person on other side nervous about the unknown. I tap on her shoulder, she whirls around sighing briefly then thumbing through her phone.
In between she narrates the situation, my brows lift in unexpected bewilderment apparently her father Zabid uncle organized a meet up with Azar in an hour. The news was informed by her agent, the young maid of her home. Yeah, she keeps these secret taps on her own family. I always thought she was being dramatic about her lovely parents would hide something, until now.
She booked the cab not wanting to hit them of her unasked arrival. Looking her pacing with restrained agitation, I try my best to calm her otherwise in her haste she might end up complication the situation more.
"I swear if Abbu ji is going to Amresh Puri of DDLJ then I'd go Karenna kapoor from jab we met. It's time girls take stand for their own love stories." She tilts her head already pumped up with pride.
I curl my lips not to burst in laughter, she squints her eyes at me. Clearing my throat, I nod along, satisfying her.
Soon the cab arrives, confirming the details I grasp her hand, "Ayesha just listen to them before jumping into any conclusions. Okay, remember they are your parents always preferring the best for you. She opens her mouth to protest, I rush to continue, "If you happen to disagree then make them understand instead of shutting them out. And like always, I'm here for you in anything."
"I love you, Mer. Really you're the bestest friend I'd have ever asked for." She hugs me, getting both of us sentimental.
"You too, Ayesha. Even if my ears sometimes have to suffer with your nonstop blabbering. I don't want to change anything for world."
Hearing my sarcastic response, she scrunches her face in mock irritation. "I will get back to you on that."
"Along with some good news," I tease making her blush.
She waves goodbye seemingly more relaxed getting into cab. I send a quick prayer hoping everything goes well at her home.
Mindlessly, I try to mingle with our classmates here and there to pass the time for next twenty minutes or so. I didn't want to but I was dragged as they were interested to talk. More like get fill of their gossips about my married life. I escaped their groups when they were getting more personal, having the audacity of openly throwing flirty remarks about my husband.
Hmm...I don't know recently it was irking me whenever girls or women in general gazing suggestively. Possessive much, I blaming it to my recent flicker of mood swings.
Checking my phone again, I pout to myself for not receiving any text or calls from him. Instead Vivan texted me he was on his way to pick me.
I have to talk with Arjun about this. It was frustrating with all his secrecy, keeping me out since days now. Though I made my mind to make him sit and have an open talk about it.
And not let him get away or give in his provocative ways of his heated gaze, his warm lips- okay, wait.
What the heck is wrong with me, one minute I'm anxious, then frustrated now turned on. My heart and mind have gone frenzy. Oh, this is what happens when you are in love.
I laugh at my own conclusion earning weary glances from by passers. Composing myself, I clear my throat noticing I have reached the parking lot. Kind of, it was just decided on own by the visitors. The loud banter from my opposite side grab my attention, I recognize kavya's and Jo's voice instantly. Maybe they have come to congratulate me.
Speedily walking, I halt few feet from them. From their disturbed gestures, it appears like they were having an argument. It was weird as I have never seen B-5 arguing between themselves. Is it fine to involve or not?
"Why the hell would you assume on your own Jo?" Kavya raises her voice, startling Jo also me.
This is something serious and personal.
Before Jo could even utter a word, Kavya continues, "You should have at least once asked me directly instead of wasting years over your imaginative theory." I couldn't leave because it was evident they were both controlling their tears due whatever it was.
"I thought, Jo whispers, "You still loved him-
"Well I don't, Kavya releases a long breath, grasping Jo's arms, "It was way long back Jo. You want to hear in clear words, fine. I'm not in love with Prithvi. You seriously are a fool for not reciprocating his feelings. Even a random person within five minutes of witnessing you both could declare you both have hots for each other."
Jo cracked a blushing smile pulling Kavya in tight hug.
Pulling away Kavya sniffled, she distanced herself, "No, no...we will have this warming up later but now run to your man, declare your love. For once keeping your awkwardness away kiss the hell out of him. He deserves it for waiting so long to your stupid self. You both have waited enough."
Jo hugged her for long minutes then smiling with renewed relief she turned almost running to other side. A renewed joyous sprint in her was evident.
Kavya kept smiling, hiding her tightened fists behind that were trembling. Hidden along with her unspoken feelings,
"You know one of these days, the truth has to be revealed. Standing next to her, I clasped her trembling hand, she was startled by my presence, "I hope you don't consider hiding it for lifetime."
Even if it was for good deed, lying to someone who trusts has the power to crumble their bond in snap of fingers. I wished B-5 would never see that day. Kavya lying about her feelings for Prithvi saved only the present moment.
She looked down few seconds, "No, I won't. Maybe one day when I have something to lean on for support while confessing the truth. Something that don't let me shatter in front of them."
Her eyes teared up, Kavya was always a bubbly, confident girl not backing down to respond anyone. Though in front of me was a girl lost her way not knowing how to move from here in her life. Hugging her, I tried to infer the reassurance because I was sure she'd find her way soon.
Someone called her name, we parted while she was wiping her tears I glanced at the man. Oh, he was the one who presented my gold medal in biochemistry. I forgot his name though.
"Shit," Kavya whips her head taking one glimpse, patting her cheeks to remove evidence of her emotional breakdown. It was not working.
Kavya explains my obvious question, "He is Kabir Agnihotri, and his father is the one showing ropes to your dear husband."
I should pay more attention when Arjun discusses about his profession no matter how boring they seem.
"Our families, let's just say they are the Kapoor's and khans of business world. I'm not one bit proud of it, anyways they happen to know every big catch in any industry." Kavya rolls her eyes, running her fingers in her hair. Her mood seemed to be distracted with his presence, so I lead her on.
I nod as she motions her hair, "So you know him personally?"
She pauses, thinking about her response, "I mean, yeah he is...interesting company. Mainly he doesn't rely on his wealth to show his worth around. Self-made business man."
I comment glancing again at his lean yet muscular built, "Quite handsome too,"
Kavya smirks, "Don't bring it in front of your possessive man, I wave her off. 'Arjun was the hottest man to me, no arguments there.'
She chuckles lightly, "I know right, no one could guess in their wild dreams he is thirty eight."
"I'm glad to impress you then,"
Kavya jumps in her spot hearing Mr. Agnihotri's deep voice, she glares annoyedly at him. The man only finds it more amusing.
'Why do I feel a spark of chemistry around them?'
"It's nice meeting you again, Mrs.Rajvansh." he dips his head greeting me.
Feeling anxious in his presence, I return the gesture with a smile. 'Urgh, I should practice more with this meet and greet timings.'
Kavya sensing my awkwardness, diverts his attention, "What are you doing here?"
Oh, they seemed to share a rare comfortability with each other. I mean he was way more elder than us to be bluntly cross questioned like that.
"Were you upset earlier?" he tilts his head down, gauging Kavya's face instead of answering her.
Kavya averts her head, he tip her chin up softly, "It doesn't suit you, sweetheart." he whispers staring in her eyes.
Meanwhile I was racking my head to formulate an excuse to make a run out of this inconvenient situation. Why can't I lie openly?
Kavya looks flustered, he quickly resumes his posture, "If you are heading to your home then you can tag along with me. Your parents have invited my family for dinner so I was heading there."
She slowly bobs her head, we share another hug. Kavya reluctant to leave me alone, I assured her Vivan was on his way to pick me. They both congratulate me again before trudging towards Mr.Agnihotri's car.
The shift in the situations since morning was bewildering. I'm strangely feeling extremely tired.
One hour had passed, my throat felt dry craving for water, my feet were hurting from continuous pacing around. 'Where was Vivan?'
I was about to call Dad guessing he might be free by now, when dark shadows loomed over me. My body freeze with initial shock of fear. Grasping my breath, with frantic eyes I counted mentally- four men were right behind me. Instincts kicked in, wrapping my phone in my dupatta I blindly swiped the icon desperately praying the call was sent to dad.
Urging my body to control the crippling fear, I turned around taking several steps back with a fearful gasp.
"Missed me babygirl," Runvijay leans forward to stare directly in my eyes. To instill his fear.
I forced my eyes to glance around only to find the area was almost secluded, with no one in sight. 'Scream for help, Meera.'
"Help!!!" my scream was cut short as he slapped his hand on my mouth, giving a warning glare.
My body was shaking by this time, I gripped my phone tightly as it was my only chance to alarm them. That is only if Dad didn't deny the call.
He suddenly punched one of the man, my scream muffled behind his disgusting hands. The crack was met with blood oozing from the man's nose. My breathing was coming out in short desperate pants.
"Idiot was trying to hit you with the rod," Runvijay caress the back of my head muttering incoherently to himself.
I didn't react no matter how his touch was revolting my body, he halts his hands gazing at me with an absolute maniac look. He was not himself. This was way more dangerous, I have never seen him like this.
He grins enjoying my frightening look, fishing out a white cloth from his side pocket. I swallow the bile rising from my throat. A loud screech of car draws my attention for a moment I thought it was Vivan or Dad my hopes crashed with disappointment to find my arm pulled in its direction.
He firmly pushed me inside, I wasted no time stuffing the phone in the gap of seat before sitting. Runvijay pried my hands open, I held in my breath, please don't search for my phone. Once satisfied he tugged my hand, I bit back a cry keeping a distance from him.
He sighs impatiently, gripping my chin he jerks my head to meet his creepy eyes.
"Just few more hours, then we will be able to have our desirable future. He tries to kiss me, I claw his wrist, moving out his hold with a disgusted expression.
"Don't touch me!!!" I yell, flinging my hand to hit him.
My attempts makes him chuckle weirdly, I didn't notice the car was already moving nor did I react in time to the white cloth pressed on my nose.
Struggling to get away from him, a numbness was slowing down my system. Soon it reduced to none, Runvijay anticipating it, he places my head on his shoulder playing with my hair.
"It's about time for climax," were the last words registered in my mind before darkness drowned me.