Hello people how are you all doing?

I hope well. Things have changed here and there for me though, and it took me time to adjust with it. That's one of the major reasons for the delay of the update which I promised last month. But things don't work as we plan, do they??

I have promised to continue my so-called husband, and I would do. I hope that clears little air for my awaiting readers. Yes, I'm half done with chapter though I need relink to the story to write in more intense, that's really difficult when the link breaks, and that's my entire mistake, I'll compromise it for it. I hope I would be able to give you an update this month of it too. Finger crossed.

The second most important thing is, I have little time basically roughly calculating the amount of tight schedule in the whole week, I have one Sunday in my hand. Now, that doesn't make me quite writing. Dude! I don't want to sell myself to work or anything because I leave mostly bare with my thoughts, I want to keep it like it. I would come every Sunday to write here and update once in a month (I'm lazy, I know). That's my kind of living up to my expectations. I'm not going anywhere. Even readers leave the story, I'm not leaving it. 

So, the air is clear, I hope.

And thanks for being patient with me and being concerned about whereabouts, I'm doing better. Nothing major change yet the disbalance is what I feel till I get adjusted with things.

Now the most important reason to make you wait for this chapter was, I was not prepared to write this. It may sound lame, but writing something like molestation is not my thing. It suffocates to even imagine, I don't want to go and feel that trash. I could hardly write a few lines, it was harder to write. Though I tried to tighten the hold of molestation, the thought is simply a hamper on your own mind.

This is the simplest way, I could write because I don't have in me to write the worst part, I'm an emotional wreck, I know there are no measurement because at the end it leaves a dark scar on your mind. I hope you don't take it in a negative way.

Before you go further, you gonna have look of Avni, who is totally different before you ever read in her Pov. I want you to be aware of it. And she may sound rudest or damaged like never before and her view is completely justified. This is how Avni was in the past. 

And I yeah, I need my target back, I don't want to beg around for it anymore.

It is my right to have my votes of desired. And peeps, no advice, because that motivates me to write when I don't write, it makes me feel guilty that I didn't write for those who voted for me. Can I have an encouraging cheer to me with your votes?

750+ votes.

Comments are free as you comment or feel, I never expected that because I want genuine comments than forcing over there. Inline comments are surreal.

Happy reading.

Warning: Content contains a violation.

Which I'm totally against it.

##

20000 words

Avni's Pov

I was in daze remembering the peon's touch. It was menacing my mind. I was restless, I don't have any energy to face it again, I know it better. But I couldn't let Prathik go this alone. I would never let him face that. When I know what was waiting for him. But I don't understand why him? He never did anything wrong to anyone. I never had any great background or past.

All his life he had been in a boarding school away from everyone, all alone. He never hurt anyone in dreams too. He is too sweet, in fact, I never saw him getting angry. He is patient and very kind. Very hardworking and dedicated soul for what he wants. If you don't count him harassing me with his feelings. 

I don't understand him being involved in this matter. Why out of all?

It could be Mrudula too? Let's not forget she is the easiest pick for him being cousin sister daughter, but why Prathik to get back at Dad?? There is something I'm missing. I tapped my finger on the bench trying to analyze while the whole class was busy drawing in their book. I was not afraid of being caught in thoughts, because I always keep backup for every damn thing. I caressed the sketches I had drawn back in London. I smiled seeing Abhay and Prathik's sketch when they clicked for the first as friends, and I being the mediator between them. 

(Imagine something like this with their real face- Prathik- Avni- Abhay)

Let me tell you the memory still annoys me. I chuckled remembering those days. Though that day I marked it as a black dot of my life. But I couldn't simply deny the fact, I got all three special boys' of my life that day.

It may be 

Prathik - the savior 

The Manik Malhotra - The hulk in the command to destroy my fear

Jack - The stranger who engulfed me in the darkness.

I glanced at Jack, who was talking on his call, yet his eyes fixed at me, he gave what look. I shrugged as I took the pencil in my hand to fake art that I won't be doing. I was in no mood for any sketches.

As I drowned myself in the past, which brought them for me, maybe that day was dark but that had something good waiting for me too, that was my best friend, dad or bodyguard. 

Flashback

On the day

(Ignore the cap, her hairs were tied in a messy bun)

Avni, pretty please baby. Kuch kha lo? Jeevika masi started yet again, while puffed looking at the landline, that moron brother of mine, didn't talk to me again. I wish, I had his neck in my hand reach, I really did. I would've parcelled him to the dear Aiyyappa. That idiot.

No, I don't want. I cleared my throat which was sore already, all thanks to rain dance yesterday, and having no one home to command at me, as it's own advantages, I took it, clearly making myself ill. At another part of the continent, Abhay was having running nose. The disadvantage that comes along being twins. I tell you.

Okay, how about chocolate milkshake, your favorite na? She cajoled me, I gave in, I don't want more scolding from Raman Iyer for not taking care of me. When she is the best.

I'll drop you. I rolled my eyes at Viren Mamu, who came to our home directly from his hospital. 

I can go by cycle. I was annoyed with the thought mom not coming for my big day. I was very angry with them for not attending my first ever exhibition. I wanted them to be present, look at the irony they aren't anywhere near me. I puffed in disappointment. 

Yet, I couldn't be annoyed with them because I know it was important to mom. I understand. And Abhay wants to be with her. It was a matter of expansion of her business, she wants to grow in the business. I wish her hard work pays. 

Though I miss her and Abhay, today. 

Could someone make me feel better, I wish I had my father at least. I really did. My eyes watered with thought. I was a hopeless case than Abhay here. He always had mom's attention towards him. She just over pampers him always. I wish had my father doing the same for me. I shrugged it coldly. I don't have expectations towards anyone, in father's case, absolutely 'No'.

Avni, Baby don't be silly. I'll drop you, and my baby is sick. I would've made you stay home but I know it is my baby's important day, So, I'm letting go of with this medicine, for your sore throat. I agreed. I didn't want to bargain when I'm feeling low. I just want to get over it. Snuggle into my sheets. I don't want more.

##

Bye, Sweetheart. He kissed my cheeks once he took all the paintings from the backseat. I took the help of Krish, who was already waiting for me. He is a team member of Stars. And a good friend of mine too.

So, your brother isn't here? He teased me, but I was in no mood for it. I tried clearing my almost blocked throat to speak up.

You got some serious business with your sour throat, Ms. Murthy.

I showered in the rain. I painfully said him, he nodded his head in disbelief called out attendants to help us with paintings. I picked the last painting from the floor effortlessly.

They are awesome, Ms. Murthy. You are a great painter. I smiled faintly. As I slowly looked at the paintings which the attendants were fixing. The atmosphere sober and calm. I liked it. 

And very thoughtful too. I cringed when I heard him again from behind, the man, I wish not to be present. He was a part-time science teacher for us, to fill up the gap for our class teacher's absence since she was up for her maternity leave. 

Yes, it is, Mr. Mathews. Krish nodded his head, while he commanded to attendants on my behalf for fixing the paintings on the wall as per my wish, acknowledging my request, which I did last night. He is helping a lot than I expected him to do. It was sweet. 

How are you, my girl? He tried to pull my cheeks, I back off with the glare. I don't feel good vibes from him, even from the day he entered this school. I have a feeling he is not a piece of good news for me.

I'm fine. But I want you to be fine too. So back off. I warned him with my sore throat. Damn that hurts, Aiyyappa. I caressed my throat to soothe the pain.

What's wrong Ms. Murthy? This is how you behave with your teacher. Should I complain to your mom? He tried to make advances at me.

Really? You bitch, if my mom knows about your advances towards me, she would deal you in her way. And by the way, my mom is Evil. Never mess with me, if you do, you should automatically find her bitting your ass, so, hard that you regret crossing my way till you take the last breath of your life. I warn you.

And yeah, my threats aren't empty. I curtly added to him with the painful throat. Does he think, I meow in the name of my mom, then he is completely wrong. He doesn't want her wrath. She isn't any typical mom, yes, she doesn't have great time for me, especially, but I know when I need her. She is always there for me to listen. There is no compromise in it. She is ideal for my life. And I want to live up like her. Head High with pride.

A daughter alike her mother, Impressed. He clapped at amusingly though I know it was pure mockery, I just hate to tell I'm good at reading people. And it comes with its own disadvantages.

Glad you do. Kindly excuse me, Mr. Mathews, unlike you Ms. Murthy has earth-saving works. I threw my hairs on my shoulders giving him cold shoulder of mine. 

Well, who gonna save you from me, Avni? I turned my head after hearing out him. Though it turned coldness inside me, I know, he is a pure creep, yet I couldn't gather some valid proof to put stay on his post. It was annoying and made me afraid of the same time. I know from day one he had his eyes on me, which I may add weren't good. 

I never wanted a savior. I'm on command, Always. I smugged at him with my attitude.

Your little brat brother isn't there to save you. Uff you are without protection sweetheart. Even your mom is out country. I frowned hearing his detailing version. He knows what's up with people I surround with. 

You're bad then. You may get saved from my brother's wrath but not mine. Stay away from me. I clearly didn't give him the satisfaction of scaring me. I would never let anyone have the pride of making me afraid. 

Awieee, cutie as some boldness. He tried to touch my hairs, all I did was walk out before he reaches. I have to do something about him, I can't let someone play with me ever. I pulled my phone from the pocket. 

I dialed mom's phone, which was switched, I groaned in irritation. I quickly left two images in her number, hoping for some help from her soon. 

I was scared. Completely. I should've gone with them. This man was creeping me, from eight days. It was making me feel disgusted, though I dogged him carefully and anxiously. I can't guarantee my own safety without having Abhay around me. He never let anyone reach me in his presence. 

Mom, please help me out. I was ready to cry out. I just want her to put him out of my life. My mistake, I didn't tell this to mom, but he wasn't this creepy till mom left with Abhay to business tour. I didn't want her to stress out for pity issues, I always dealt with. I never waited for someone to help me. It was like I had no go, rather fight to have a peaceful life. 

I still remember my first day of school. It is crystal clear in my eyes, I could reel it out in the back of my mind. I was laughing stock when the teacher asked me about my father, which I didn't add in my introduction. I could only look blankly at her. I didn't have any idea about that word until I was asked, and I was clueless. I never had idea of a father being part of a family because all I had mom and brother. The word felt so alien to me, I didn't know when everyone started making fun of me. That was such bad start of my school life. And that was the first emotional disbalance I experienced, and that never ended. Abhay and I always rendered, till date. We become easy-pick to the people with that one flaw because we don't have a father in our life. I don't know where we are wrong with not knowing about our father. I'm not sure about his existence or I don't know how he is; I all want to say, my emotions for the father are absolutely negative. Because of him, Abhay and I are getting humiliated from the day we understood the meaning of father. I just want to strangle him to death with my bare hands for making me feel this nuisance. I would never forgive him for the pain Abhay and I went through. I would never.

I wiped my eyes, then look at my painting. I was a really stupid and emotional fool to do such absurd painting, what the fuck got into me that I ended with these paintings. I wish to remove everything but it was too late because my painting was already in the competition and open for the public. Aiyyappa!!

I waited for a call from mom, that never came, I tried calling her nth time. And the answer was the same till the lunch was announced. I was around my painting, trying all possible to hold anyone with me, to my relief Krish was by my side. I was really glad and less scared. 

You are heck painter, Ms. Murthy. I really loved it. I hope that day comes sooner for you. He added warmly, I gleed tilting my head towards our coach. 

Thank you. I faked it out. Though I wished something like this in my life. I know that is never happening in the near future. I know, I have fantasies that actually don't work in the real world. If, I would be having a father in my life already. 

No, I don't want him to pamper me, I just want to put show so that no one dares to taunt me ever. I have no feelings, expect grudges for him. Even his name could do. I'm really not expecting him to do any damn thing for me. A father is not my expectation but his name is what I'm looking for to shut everyone's mouth, who laughed at my cluelessness.

You're just awesome. I want you to know. And this for you. He handovers a basket of cookies for me, I smiled brightly at his gesture.

Thank you. I love your homemade cookies. He chuckled at expression.

Come, we'll have lunch. Then you can stand long enough. I obliged as judges were done with the judging part. I was the last participant, in fact, the only painter under 10. And my teachers were proud of me what I'm. I may not be good as Abhay but I'm not that bad.

Krish and I took corner seat with our coach sitting before us. I got some healthy meals because I don't want Abhay to suffer for my negligence. I already regret making him ill without his fault.

When is Abby coming back? Coach questioned, Abhay was always been in good books of his teachers if you scratch some scrap material in the management. They are an irritation for him, who don't like us at all. Like we care.

Maybe by next week. I'm clueless. He nodded his head.

There is some Indian boy for practice, I want Abhay to make him feel better. He is for a few days. 

I will convey it to Abhay. I plastered a smile on hearing the Indian boy. India, Maybe that man is from also India, will he be alive?? Hopefully. Because Mom is Indian.

Avni chuck it. I screamed at my mind.

I savored salad with a ginger tea for my sour throat with a tablet. I don't want to fall sick till I go home. And then I'm free from everything. I want nothing but cuddle in my bed.

Avni!! I looked up to Krish who was getting up from his seat hurriedly.

My dad is waiting for me outside. I need to leave. I hope you don't mind. Now I was clearly scared of being alone in the huge crowd. 

Yeah, you can go. I easied my throat with some tea. Coach looked at Krish, who was already scared looking at his demanding eyes.

I.. I..

You punk, you bunked today's practice to be with her. I let you be. And now I'm hearing you are going somewhere. Are you planning to come to practice tomorrow or not? I muffled my giggle, seeing Krish all rooted in his place. The Hitler coach was back to his duty. 

I..I'm going to India to meet my grandparents. He stuttered, But one could never miss out his excitement to see his grandparents, he was so happy. Is this how feel to see someone after so long? I have no idea about it.

Enjoy, But you punk, you have extra practice when you return back. I giggled at the horror of Krish. who bid bye in no time. 

Are you done? I nodded my head gulping the medicine.

Yup.

We made our way out, Coach was heading home to look after his old mother. Though he was rude and strict, the man was anything but soft to his dear ones. 

Bye, Avni. Just stay around the crowd till your uncle picks you up. I nodded my head hesitantly. Stood in my place where I caressed the badge which said I being the winner of the competition. I smiled sadly at it. I saw everyone, who was sharing a light moment with their family and friends, and I stood all alone with a winning tag and no one to celebrate. I breathed as I pulled out the winner tag and threw it in my bag, I didn't feel like a winner but a loser. My eyes watered seeing everyone happy and content. I walked fastly to the washroom to get grip on myself.

I threw water on my face to calm down, as I looked in the mirror,

This is not you Avni, c'mon you are stronger and nothing should break you. I caressed mom and Abhay's picture on the phone. I miss you. Come back soon. I hastily rubbed my tears and got freshen up to look presentable. I need to look better in the crowd. I practiced the smile, yet tears slipped from my eyes. I feel alone and scared. 

And I had a strong vibe of something going wrong around me, I tried to make my steps faster to reach the backyard, where the venue was set up.

Oye!! I screamed at the person, who pushed my painting accidentally, I glared at his sorry ass. Examined my painting, which needed a little touch-up. I rolled my eyes irritatedly, picked the gloves wore it, I brushed to patch up with painting carefully. Once I was satisfied with my work. 

Why did you remove your winner tag? The attendant questioned me surprisingly.

Nothing. I answered calmly with my smile.

Can I put it over again? I nodded my head fakely. 

Go and clean your hands. She said once she observed my hands. I left to the washbasin to clean the brush and my gloves, which I had wore. 

I rumbled curses as I washed my stubborn gloves, which wasn't taking the name of getting tidy. Brushes were at the side, perfectly clean. If I'm tidy person that's only when I'm a painter, if not I'm a very messy person. 

I made out of the washroom kept brushes safely in the pocket, then started removing gloves from hands, which was stubborn to get out of my hands due to wetness. I huffed-

 When a strong force tried to cover my face with a cloth, from behind

I was horror-struck with the sudden attack. I did what my reflexes did, I struggled to get out of the hold when I couldn't dodge it against the strong hulk, all I did was to gave backward kick where it hurts like a bitch with my pointed boots.

I was revealed seeing the cloth on the floor, must be something that could put me in danger. And I escaped from it.

The person loosened the hold, I quickly got out of his reach, where he slumped holding his main part in pain, while he wasn't giving upon letting me go, he held my jacket in his fist.

Mr. Mathews. I meowed when I acknowledged the man who attacked from behind. I gulped in fear, then what came in my mind, I need to find the crowd, yes, Mamma said that always. I need to escape, I started running on my boots, not before him snatching my jacket harshly, in order to hold me.

All my paintbrushes got scattered on the floor, with high intensity. Making me snicker at its sound.

I picked my phone from the jeans pocket hastily looking behind me, he was walking fastly behind still holding his part. I was scared of not finding a single soul in the corridor. What on the earth made people disappear from this corridor? Aiyyappa what are you even doing with me? Why?? I screamed my Aiyyappa in pure horror.

Mamma, Please. Please. Pick up the phone. I mumbled as I ran in the long corridors, praying Aiyyappa for some mercy on me today. I tilted my head behind to see him almost near me, I was petrified. I rubbed my tears, tried calling her again when it went to straight auto tone, I hang the call, I didn't know whom to call, I was blank, completely, Then it lite me,

Viren Mamu. I called him up still running, but in vain he didn't pick up my call. I felt crying so hard. I never felt cold feet or helpless. I hiccuped when I dialed David's number, my last hope, whose phone also went to straight voicemail. I cursed the day so badly than at any time. 

Coach!! Then it strikes me, I don't have his number or any staff number on my mobile but in Abhay's phone. I wiped my tears, I turned behind to glance where he was,

Thud!!

I fell on down as my right leg cane in contact with an ancient clock, accidentally. And my phone was tossed somewhere in the corner. Everything was blank for a minute until I felt someone fisting my hairs harshly to pull me by it, I struggled to free my hairs, I couldn't do as my wound on the head was making me dizzy.

Mathews, Leave me. I breathed out with my sore throat when he dragged mercilessly holding my hairs, my entire body was harshly rubbed against floor. Making me feel every prick of stone in the process. I could feel my skin getting torn badly, 

Ammmaa!!

I screamed holding my head when he purposely smashed me to the wooden edge. Everything shook inside me, all the images in my vision were getting vibrated.

You gonna scream today. I'll break the confidence that you carry in the pride. I'll punish you for showing off your attitude. You'll regret forever for picking evidence against me. I sat painfully holding my head which was smeared with blood, I looked around to find where I was, it didn't take me to understand that he pulled me all way to the chemistry lab, I gulped hard when he closed the door with an evil smile.

I shivered when he smelled me, it felt so pathetic to be here, I cruddled myself to guard from him. I was so afraid when he roughly pushed me. 

I'll savor you. I waited for so long. The way he whiffed my hair disgusting me, I tried to catch the maximum things I possible could fetch in my hands that could help me to escape from him and this place. It's not the moment to be afraid, Avni.

No, one is gonna come for you. It's you. Who needs to pick your fight. I encouraged myself. 

When I shrieked in pain when he fisted my hairs to grab my face. I facepalmed his face completely before his lips touch mine. I was horrified by the way he was forcing me. I never knew this could be this nasty, I never knew I could be stuck like this situation, I couldn't believe this was happening with me. I pushed him with my palm strongly, he stumbled, that gave me time.

I raised on my foot as fast as I could not before pushing him completely on his buts. There is no way, Avni letting anyone touching her.

I was about to run, then I landed straight on my face just because he pulled me by the ankle. I struggled to get out of his hold, not happening he tried to come over me, I did my best to escape but I was too tiny against gaint body. I was suffocated. 

I couldn't breathe. Everything was getting overwhelming to me. 

It was burning everywhere, when-

My hands and legs were held where I couldn't do anything but buy some time for myself. This so devasting, when I felt his lips every inch of my face. Every confidence I vouched was vanishing, It felt lost battle, though I tried my best to avoid the contact, nothing let me have my way. Tears started unknowingly out of fear and helplessness. 

Avni, don't feel weak. My internal mind was screaming at my defeated self, ringing the warning bells to me.

I was desperate for someone to save for him. Someone who could hide me from the world. I wanted darkness to swoll me inside so that I became invisible to anyone out there. I was desperate in need to shield me. But all I found was myself, all alone.

His hands on me made me so uncomfortable when it reached to remove my top. When my eyes met his dangerous eyes, which sent such a creepy feeling that I couldn't ever forget in my life. I wanted to be anywhere but here.

Is this how a man touch's feel? then I fucking don't want such a creepy man or boy in my life. They disgust me to infinity.

I'll cherish you just the way, I did with my stepdaughter. I looked him in complete shock, I forcefully pushed him with my knees. I huffed a breath when I didn't feel his frightening touch for a second. I needed a moment for myself to escape and never get back from my lone place. A lone tear rolled from my eyes when he harshly scratched my shoulders for my act. I didn't saw that coming. When I eyed his hand that's when I saw a surgical knife in his hand. I was completely bewildered seeing it.  

When I'm done with you, you'll be destroyed physically and mentally. And none could get back what you lost. He caressed my cheek with the cold knife, making me shudder with agony and fright. I never felt so incapable or powerless. It was my end. End of my life. The suffocation was bad that I go completely blank. I didn't know I was so numb until I was stabbed with a knife on my wrist.

I screamed in pain.

That's what I'm craving to hear. That pain. I wanna hear. He talked like a psychopath that I never met in my life. Scaring me, daylights. I felt so little against his nasty power. I was immobile. Everything was going fast like my tears. I was not sure what to do.

You little beauty. Pay attention to me, if not you would be punished severaly before I go climax. He locked my lands near my head, completely seizing my all attempts to escape. 

Leave me, you bastard. I struggled to get out when I saw his hands reaching to my jeans buttons. My eyes widened in shock when he caressed my bare stomach with a knife. I yelled in the pain as he cut down my lower tummy skin, mercilessly. I couldn't struggle more, because I got to know his name of punishment if I struggle to get out. I was bleeding already profusely. That metallic smell of blood made me nausea. I'm sure that the smell would stay in mind forever gravely.

Ammmaaa! I screamed when he tore my sleeves. 

Avni, you can't let this happen with you. Avniiii. I could hear a strong command coming from my mind, but I was too helpless and numb to reach for it. I was somewhere aware of molestation but I never this could be this serious and tormenting. I just didn't know until I experienced it. 

It is the worst feeling one could put in words.

Avnii!! My mind screamed wildly to alert. But it was not strong enough then the power Mathews held. 

I'll use you just like my her. 

But you are a little elder to her. That took my attention. He was inhuman. This man should be hung to death, I think that will be too easy. He deserves much worse than death. My mind screamed venomously.

His breath on my face was unbearable, I want to get rid of it. 

Whom are you talking, Mathews? I meowed so that I distract him, I was not waiting for someone. Because I know it's my fight like always, no one is going to save me ever as always. I should be strong, If I want to save myself. Avni, my girl, you are the strongest girl you ever knew. Don't give up this easily. It's life or death. 

My little stepdaughter. Do you know her age? I nodded no as I saw his hands getting loosening. I was sure of one thing, he enjoyed pain. Pure Pain, which others get. And he can go to any extent to fulfill his pleasure. He was Evil Demon, I ever witnessed. It was a live experience of mine. How ruthless people can be. How a man can be?

Will my father be like him? My mind threw an unnecessary question that made me numb. 

I had no answer to that. I was clueless. I had no strength in me to believe if it was the truth. This man made my every thought dirty about men, that never crossed in my wildest dream.

She was six years old. If I saw shocked by the trauma I was going through, then it broke the previous record.

Was? What did you do with her? Such a baby. He tortured a baby of six, how sadist he is. He didn't spare his stepdaughter, would he even spare me. 

I raped her. You know she was a little fuck of mine ever. 

You know what I did with her later, I melted her face with acid and she couldn't resist the pain, at last, she gave up. That vicious laugh boiled inside me, someone who I never was waking up, whom existence I was never aware of.

That is the same end you gonna met, though only after I'm satisfied with you. He rubbed his thumb against my lips lustfully that made me disgust on myself. That I had a hard feeling to get out and puke until my inside hurts.

Acid?? That made me gulp in horror.

Yeah, it's sitting right in my bag, I'll pour on you too. Don't worry, no one will watch your so beautiful face after it. I huffed a scared breath when something as iron-hard poked my bare tummy, I was sure it was the skin of his, that scared and made me feel disgusted. In reflex, I kicked my legs forcefully which came in contact with some stool, where beaker and flask were kept.

Crash!!!

It crushed on the floor leaving a huge impact of sound, That's when something stuck in my head. Where was I really? How foolish of me not to think about it before. I scolded myself.

This is it, Avni. 

This is it.

'Avni, always cluster your weakness into your strength, nothing going to be so powerful than that, in the world.' That was the moment I remembered Mamma's words. She always said, her past was not her weakness but her strength, that was the thing that made her survive this long in life.

You never let someone run on you, and you are not letting someone have the satisfaction at the cost of your respect or helplessness. You would never. That voice was so bitter that it made me think how weak I was or I being a scared kitten for a fucking bastard. How I let someone even rule over me. How can I? I questioned coldly with hatred ness I had on myself because it was my mistake to let him have that rule on me. 

That broke the limit of mine.

My head fell dizzy with the amount of his heinous. What happened within me, I was not aware, all I did was to pull the sheets that came in my reach, it was hard to pull at first but I was too senseless to care about anything but to destroy him with my bare hands, even it meant destroying myself. He would see the end of his today, that's the promise of Avniiiiii....

Crush!!

Crush!!

Thudd!!

Various types of glass equipment that are used in the lab came in contact with the floor, everything was broken hurting me every possible way because He escaped when the first glass met the ground. That was the only way I found to safeguard myself,

Only by hurting myself. 

And this glass pierces didn't hurt me the way he destroyed my confidence. I somehow managed to get up with the support of my hands, which also came in contact with glass pieces on the floor. I lifted my eyes to see him, who was crying in pain because his back was pierced with glass, mercilessly, finally, I felt my cunning smile spreading on my face.

Someone who woke inside me, who always hid inside me, yet protected me from all the odds I face, till date. Someone who could only help me now; is that someone who is inside me. I had always been aware of it. Though I never acknowledged its presence within me because somewhere I knew if I let that someone rule me, I would never be who I'm always.

I didn't care at the moment what I turn into because my safety was prime to me.

I rubbed my hands carelessly against each other while my eyes didn't leave his figure with bitterness that never existed in me, and he was trying to remove the glasses from his side waist with painful scowl. His dress was turning blood, but not more than mine.

I'm was drenched in blood and torn clothes.

I plucked the big piece of glass from my wrist, which was anything but blood. If the scene was different I would have panicked pulled whole home on my head in tears. But today, everything was different the more I saw my blood and the struggle around me - laughed at my helplessness. It was more of a mock. The kind of vulnerable that made me afraid of everyone out there except me.

It was just not battle I had with him but on myself too. I was afraid to be ruled with negativity inside me. Coming over it was never easy for me. I may be outspoken but negativity stayed within me without a vocal and this time it is a disaster, I know.

I don't know when I kicked him on his lower back with my left leg, where a large piece of glass was stuck, it churned deep inside him. The blood oozed out making me satisfied with the amount of pain, I stuffed inside him physically. All I saw was Fire inside me, I wanted to burn to the world who made me vulnerable and helpless, and I let someone go without a lesson is simply not me and here he did sin. Now, I gonna make him regret messing with me. 

He screamed voilently when I left my complete weight on his back ankles. I didn't want him to get up and attack me again, I wanted to weaken him more for my safety first and then to take revenge for trying to destroy me.

Well, what were you saying, Mathews? I faked innocence as I walked more strongly on his back, where the glass was pierced on his body; as he was a little shield to me, he got maximum hurt on his back saving my face and my entire body which was underneath him. All I got hurt was on my hands and legs.

You bitch!! His pain didn't satisfy but enraged me more in the fire. Thinking how tormented he made me feel for minutes back. That itched more to hurt him.

Today, I kinda show what real bitch can do to you. I guess I'm setting a standard for the bitch that you could possibly not imagine in your life. I heard the sound of glass breaking hardly on the door. I smile smugly.

Poor you, the one who comes in won't be able to save you ever. That's the bloody promise from me to you. Today is the last day of your smile. He slowly yet painfully turned towards me, when I got down from his back. All he wanted to avoid me walking on his back, which hurt him brutally, he badly in need of hospital treatment, I knew it. He tried to get up but all I did what my mind said I picked up the acid bottle which was kept safely in his bag, which he had informed while he was boasting about his misdeed, proudly.

You love to melt faces of girls you use right, Mathews. I sat on my knees with my bitchy attitude. I don't know, how I held myself so boldly, where all I wanted to crush down and cry so bitterly. But that wouldn't go with my attitude or the way I have grown up. My tears can wait until I'm under sheets before that I would love to make him realize his wrong existence in the world.

He looked petrified.

Good luck with this new look, sweetheart. 

Good luck.

The delish smile is what I felt my face when I doom in his fear. That made me rage more. I forgot who was I, what I'm to the world, what relations I had, what I need to answer to the world. All my mind had was HIS DESTRUCTION.

And yeah get ready to meet another bitch in your life. Do you know about her? He was startled with my softness. I could bet he was totally confused with my changing attitude.

Of course, you know. My Mom, she may not be here at the moment. I mumbled so softly like he was my pet. I cocooned his hair too, yet coldly, holding the pain I was going through.

I'm informing beforehand because I don't want you to complain to me, later. You know. I slowly opened the cap of the glass bottle with my right thumb, which contained anything but acid. His eyes were stuck on them horrified, he was shaken, he never saw that coming from a tiny girl like me, as I opened it with slow motion. Did I forget to mention I fucking even heard that door opening at the last hardest shot?

You messed the wrong person's daughter. You'll be doomed forever. He tried to get up to free from my punishment, in death speed, I could clearly see on his face, regret to mess with me, I sat on his tummy barely caring how uncovered he was, I really saw something which I shouldn't have seen with my bare eyes, I avoided looking anything beyond his face, so that doesn't make me vulnerable or worse about myself, what I could've got into if I had been weak. Not giving heeds to my feelings, I chuckled at his helplessness. That's how you feel fucking asshole, I wanted to scream, then again I knew the hell was waiting for him for a long time. For all the pain he caused against innocent girls.

Let me do the honor of showing some real hell.

Lastly good luck with my parents. I finally poured the acid on his face without a pinch of regret that deeply pleasured all my vulnerability, I let my tears fall out, as I started emptying the strongest acid on his face, I swear on Aiyyappa, I was never this cruel or inhuman but circumstance made me what I'm today, I don't regret a bit what I had done to him, his painful wail was contentment to my torment, when I heard loud scream of a boy, I so wanted to hide matter but I was in no mood to hide the punishment, I gave him, that he deserved. I didn't mind to get punishment for what I had done. Because my regret for the situation was zero, Absoulety zero.

As I was done, I threw the bottle carelessly in utter cruelty. That I didn't care who was witnessed me, In fact, I was in thinking that boy would be running somewhere in the fear of seeing the man's melted face or feeling how ruthless, I'm. In all these, I didn't expect him to stay so strong, I never expected anyone to stand over there.

Seeing his melted face, I remembered his deed towards a small baby girl. And then I knew this is the least hell he went through for what he did to her. Her painful death can't have such less punishment, it should be less than death but more than death. I can't let her have injustice, he should feel death but never should have it. Every moment in life should be a nightmare of his life.

then my eyes glanced here and there finding something to hurt Mathews more, then a shiny metal attracted me, it was the same surgical knife from which he hurt me terribly, as he was wailing in the pain, his almost melted face came in contact with glass pierces which was making him bleed profusely. That vicious smile spread across my face when I took hold of the knife to stab him deep on his stomach.

I never in what moment I was in someone's arms, unbelievably, I wiggled and struggled as I thought someone attacked me from behind again, the situation made me numb that I totally don't know, what was right and wrong I was doing or happening with me, I threw legs to get out of his hold in defense, seems like I lost most of the energy today. When he held me tightly into his chest, to stop my struggle, which I didn't, I hit him with all my strength, didn't even care who was he, why was I hurting him or why was he holding me, all I wanted to get away from everyone.  

Touch of anyone scared me. His touch infected me in a demeaning way. 

In all these negatives I never expected a friendly warmth in his hold, when I was welcoming the trouble. He came like an unknown Knight.

Stop, it. My cheeks suddenly felt so hot with the intensity of his slap. I felt my lips tearing, I could feel the weird taste in my mouth, meaning I had cut on my lips. I touched my lips consciously that's when I heard Mathews howl in pain, reality stricken harder to me at that moment.

Ayyo!! what have I actually done?? I screamed mentally. I was mortified there is no one who could save me from my doings.

Calm down. He carefully cupped my face as I'm a glass doll. That's when I saw his face. Unknown boy, whom I don't even recognize. He was a stranger. Not even a British lad, he looks so Indian.

I blinked my eyes to memorize his handsome face, Though I picked the highlighter of his long face, his long hairs that covered most of the forehead. When I was in trance, he picked me in his arms and made me sit on the stool effortlessly. I saw his eyes all over my body, examing the number of wounds without touching me, much to my breath. And I fell on him unknowingly with no strength inside me. I was mortified about everything, my present or future. It was messier than made me afraid of even silly things.

I'm sca. I'm scared. I involuntarily let my weakest side to grow, which would've not happened if I was sane. I was feeling short to cover up my act or my own feelings. I was open and emotionally worn out leaving anything to think. I was completely blank with fear still in my mind about everything. 

Shush. I'll handle this. Okay. Never in my dreams, I expected that from anyone other than my brother. I would've thought about trusting him in the first place if the situation was different. Then again I was too lost to arrange myself out of the mess, I needed someone to do that for me. Maybe my Mamma, unknowingly my eyes on the down floor.

Don't look there. Calm down. I was in complete shaken with what I have done with him that I didn't even care how he tucked my hair behind my ear, If, he would've faced Avni's wrath. 

I never thought I could act like inhuman. Then again, I regret a bit for what I did to him. He deserves more. If I didn't destroy him, I would've been destroyed from the world. And no one would've come to help me, that made me little stabilize. A moment of strength is what my mind gave me, that was the thing I needed. A collection of own strength.

Mom. Mamma. Mom! Yes, she can help me, but I don't know how to reach her anymore. With the broken phone to add up more, I'm not able to reach her. In all this thinking I never saw when he dialed someone until I saw him conversing with someone, everything was a blur to me and another half I didn't even hear or it didn't go in my head until I heard him faking a story which was twisted in such a way that everything was in my favor. To my other horror of the day, I wasn't seeing that coming from a mere stranger when I don't even know his name.

##

I'll. Give me a moment. He must have held the call when he sat on his knees to convince me of this twisted story. I was bewildered and I flabbergasted. I was really not sure that I heard someone taking my side when he saw the entire scene, a sane boy would never do that. That too when you don't even know about another person. This boy was given such good values by his parents, which made me proud of him not because he was helping but because he had the heart to understand girls' vulnerability, and wanted to help them. When I believed there won't be a good man in the world before a few minutes, there he came and prove me, how wrong was I thinking? Who does that for any known or unknown girl, all are afraid to stand for right. There he was. 

At this moment, you don't remember anything or you picking the acid bottle by yourself. I was internally so shocked hearing him when I certainly know he saw me picking the bottle, Aiyyappa promise.

That's wrong. I can't lie. I, I did it purposely because he tried to touch me wrongly, he said that he raped someone. I couldn't stay mum and without saying the truth. I never did that. I always accepted my act without regret, I was going to do it even if he didn't want me to do it.

I know it. And no one out there will know it. You understood that. It's between you and me, Forever. Promise me, that you won't tell this to anyone not even a single out there should know. You get it. Promise me. Sudden panic raised in me, I never did that. I always shared everything with Abhay, and it is a prime incident, I wouldn't lie to him. He is my brother, who should know everything, that's how it has been for years. I was in strong mind to say the truth. Only truth, without letting him any harm.

It's wrong. I was too close to my truthfulness. I'm ready for the punishment, I'm going to be served. 

You did the right, Punishment would be served to everyone. And he deserves that for his sin. I was always learned this from Mom, that everyone deserves punishment for their mistakes, and this man did the sin, he deserved it, in fact for me it was the least punishment, he was served with. I believe his words. But I was nowhere going to hide the truth.

Promise me?? I was shaken with his confidence to tell a lie to the world, he was hell determined when I was shacking with the lie more than my situation. 

If someone finds out. He showed my gloves, I was amazed by his smartness, not every day, I find someone who is smart in such situations.

There will be no fingerprints of yours. I have seen it in movies. You talk to my Mamu, till I then I get some people to arrange something for him. That man deserves that. I blinked my eyes still not understanding what he said, a smile almost flashed on my face when he said about the movie, from which he took the idea. That I didn't notice he said to talk to someone, I was least cared about it, until he thrust his phone in my hands. I was zapped out of it.

Baby. That was the first thing I heard from the phone when I didn't even hold it near my ears. I cleared my throat.

Baby? Are you there? It was a surreal manly voice of concern and warmth, that comforted me the way that it never did in my whole life. I was mesmerized. If I find Abhay's voice magnificent, this man's voice defined the epitome.

Hello?? I came out of the dream world when my reality showcased before me, Mathews's worst situation. I felt like puking looking at his face and body. I facepalmed to avoid looking anything beyond, I don't want to think about anything but the truth.

I'm here. I calmed my cracked voice, yet I felt it so foreign, I bet, it didn't even sound like me anymore. The screams I yelled have done the worst job on my already sore throat.

I'm there for you too. 

Now, just calm down. I've called up medical help for you, get treated until I arrange things; to get you out from there. I promise. I would've not believed him a bit, but his words were so assuring that made me believe him in some corner of my heart. Yet, I was not sure about the trust part because I don't trust anyone easily. I never did.

Your name?? I don't want to trust anyone blindly without knowing people, who are getting involved with me, out of nowhere, when I can't even judge their motive upon me. All I want to have was a clear image of what I'm getting into. I never set my foot without knowing what I'm getting into. I'm well prepared always, until foreseen events.

Manik. Manik Malhotra. It calmed almost everything in me, he was more like water to my thirst in a fearful desert and the way he said made me remember of Abhay, that's how he introduces himself always. 

Wait!! Did I by chance heard, The Great Manik Malhotra talking another end of the phone, I was paralyzed to confirm my doubt I pulled the phone to see the screen. There! There, he was-

I was seized. That's Viren Mamu's cousin Brother, the same guy whom Mamu was flaunting all day at mom's birthday party. I was not myself when I know who was speaking to. Never in dreams though, I would be talking to him. Right at the moment, I was speechless, completely. 

It was a fan moment for me, in such a worst situation.

Yours? I was not sure what was happening in the background, but I can say he was multitasking while he was talking with me. He was suddenly tensed and worried, while I expected a pity or sympathy from him. 

Avni. Avni Murthy. I was not sure did he heard my name or not because I heard him conversing with someone in the background, probably his dad, terribly screaming at him. While I saw people rushing towards me all worried. Out of all, I recognized my principal, I sighed in relief when she hugged me dearly to her.

I'm sorry, Sweetheart. I couldn't give in. I just let my tears flow.

Hello?? I heard his voice again, as my phone was still connected to my ears.

Yeah. But before I could speak more, that boy came and took his mobile with him secretly, making me growl at him, he didn't even take effort to look at my bitterness, he appeared scared but I know, he wasn't, I could see in his eyes. 

Let's take her to the sick room. Everyone agreed, I didn't anyone touch me after that. I didn't let anyone reach me, and they were scared and worried, I was treated as per my requirement making sure I was not hampered with their question or anything. It was sorted than I expected. It gave me time to hold myself. 

I didn't even scream when nurses were pulling glasses from my skin, it didn't hurt me when there were stitching my wounds, I was looking my wounds getting treated numbly without any idea about the future. I was back to the square, the feeling was sickening, I just want to pull out my hand from that doctors and nurses to keep it myself, I didn't even care to get treated because I was afraid of touches, even when it was a female community, who appeared warm at distant. 

The boy stood holding my hand carefully, I was paranoid to hold it or leave, but his efforts were strong against my negative feelings.

You have something here. He stated when he tucked my ears. I was stunned at his act, but I was blown when I heard someone talking to me.

There?? That sounded familiar huskiness, that's when I realized Bluetooth was connected to my ears and my hairs were acting as curtains.

Hmm!! I saw the doctor throwing a glance at me. I kept it blank face for her when I saw everything was tense around, people were running here and there is a complete panic, it was dangerous as if a monster was coming like a storm over them, I didn't even want to ignore the part were I heard police siren coming in the background. This is it!!

That banged me hard inside me. That heart fearing moment. I was tongue-tied for the nuisance, had no strength to talk about anything. I don't want to relive the moment ever.

All you gonna hear me out, do only things I ask you to do. I frowned at his sternness, I was never commanded, just because they know I never listen and only did things that my heart says. This was the first I was letting someone have upper hand over me, not because he was cold but I couldn't speak a word in the presence of many people, who really not aware of what's going on real. They are too afraid than me. 

What's scaring them??

I take your silence as a yes. I frowned deeply, I cursed his domination and judgment. If only he was here, I was ready with a speech on dominance. That he would regret having his opinion and assumption when I couldn't word out.

The police gonna come. Like stated they did come. Is this man, so powerful? it looks like having a tornado of force police in a blink of eyes. It took me minutes to understand, the man on another side of the phone is anything but insane in the name of protection. Let me word it nicely overprotective. Well, what kind of men, am I meeting today? I scowled when I was made to walk in between well-armed sheriffs, that was the attention-seeking moment. And I thought it will be humiliating when everyone knows what happened to me. I don't even want that. It is worst to be in the mouth of people, in the worst cases, I had enough in life in the name of the father. I didn't want this situation as ado of more.

Then I was surprisingly wrong when I saw the entire crowd was cleared like there was no one in the backyard of our school, where the art exhibition was going on like half an hour before. Can you just clear thousands of people in a matter of fifteen minutes, is my question. This man makes me dizzy.

Revealed and Satisfied? When I heard him speaking again. I could imagine a proud grin on his face. I smiled finally in relief with my bent down, that's when I saw the boy still holding my hands tenderly and he was mute. And his cute gesture was what I liked about him.

Yeah. Unlike my another imagination, I thought I would be escorted by lady sheriffs, then I'm wrong again. I was walked to the car, escorted by a female lady as the driver. I never felt special or I didn't expect such things. It was overwhelming. 

I was made to sit in the car carefully by her. I flinched when she touched me, I was not really ready for it, I get it. 

Thanks. I meeked at her, she nodded her head in pitty and occupied driver seat, I thought the boy would come with me, no, he didn't. He was taken in another car. I was terrified when they separated me from him. He just nodded his head as my car started, I was big-time panicker, I would've made a scene, definitely. 

I was never that dependent on my life, or I remember doing it ever. We always brought independently. This was the first if I don't add I being dependent on Abhay.

Calm down. Would you? I relaxed a bit when I saw the lady passing the water bottle to me. I closely examined whether it was sealed or not. I'm not going to risk, even when I know who was talking with. I may be a fan but I gonna get my brain with me. 

That's a sealed bottle, sweetheart. Nothing could harm you until you have Malhotra's by your side. I nodded my head. I gulped the water in a big sip.

And none crosses their path. Malhotra's surname name sounds so rich and dominant. Let's not forget the Swag and their snobbish attitude.

Heard some facts. He boasted, when I thought he'll calm me down, says it's fine. He won't leave them. Then again the man, surprise package. 

I already know who you are. Ain't any dumb, Mr. Malhotra. I meowed rudely from my side. I could hear his contagious laugh.

Good that I'm popular. That man had an ego of his height, I tell you. 

Your self centered. I was on point.

Don't blame, I have it in my blood. I glared at spaces and my situation was forgetful for the moment.

So, how do you know me? He definitely knows how to deal with me. And I didn't like that even a bit.

Viren Mamu. Your cousin, my mom is his friend. I informed carefully, I don't want to mess more information.

Viren. You mean, Viren Ram Malhotra.

Positive. He huffed a breath in relief.

He will reach you out sooner. Okay. I tried your mamma's call and it is out of reach. Is it Nancy? 

Yeah. Nancy. She is out of the country. As she is well known in Europe than her real name.

Is that man your mom's rival? I threw a suspicious look at him.

No. But wait how are you getting information, for damn sake??

My dad owns that school. So, I can get any detail. And these facts I got from your principal. Translation: I scared the shit out of them.

Wasn't it supposed to be kept confidential? I was itching to ask him, to go through my father's name. But I didn't have that guts inside me. Importantly, I don't want him to treat me like all people. 

Should I praise your presence of mind and common sense or ask you to Shuuut upp. 

Let me handle it in my way. He scolded me coldly. I huffed a raging breath out with my angry pout. Damn that man really know how to shut me up being in another part of the world. Even Abhay and Mom found it difficult.

What are you gonna do? I was damn afraid now. This man sounds bad news to the world if he is enraged. 

That's for me to know. All you need to do is keep mum. One single word from your mouth wouldn't be tolerated. What heck of man he is, so dominating and demanding. Let's not forget the self-centered snobbish brat like me.

I wish you were here. I would've shown you, who you are messing with, Mr. Manik Malhotra? I coughed badly at the end. 

Really? Then let me personally straighten your spoilt brat attitude, when I meet you. I gawked at his words. No one speaks to me like that. I was tongue-tied.

Waiting. 

Come sooner. Even I'll straighten your bloody Manik Malhotra attitude. I came up with my swag before I know it myself. That made me feel better, proud of myself. I didn't weaken before his strong personality.

Let me get there, then I'll see you personally. He replied so coldly. Like I care. Even I had that attitude as he.

Waiting. Waiting. I mocked sweetly with an almost sore voice.

Dad, at least Ram Chachu ko phone connect huwa kya? I'm not able to figure out any guardian.

I'm trying, Manik. He must be in an emergency. Came another voice, that's for sure Raj Malhotra's voice. Our new owner and dean of our school. I could definitely not forget someone like a teacher.

Kya sabko aji busy rena hai? No one is available. Like seriously. I'm damn sure he doesn't know I could clearly understand Hindi, I may not speak a word, but dude, I could understand what he speaks.

Ask her? I heard Raj Malhotra's voice.

I don't remember anyone's number except mum, Viren, and David. And my phone is broken.

I know that part. Now tell me this David's number. I'll fetch him, by the way, who is he? Is he safe to call? 

My best friend. Mom's partner in business. David Beckham. 

Do you remember his number?

I was trying to his number, and he never picked. I'm not sure would he pick or not. I bite my nails in anxious.

Is he in London or he out of the country like your mom? He enquired from me, still, I could read out his worriedness in his tone, yet I was not sure whether he was getting irritated that he couldn't escape from this situation because his nephew was involved as a witness or he not being here to handle it. I wish I had someone to take care of me like that. To hold me, tell it was okay to cry. But I feel alone. No one here is mine. I'm crowded with strangers.

No, he isn't out of the country. He would never go out leaving me alone if mom is not around. That's David, who always there for me, and welcomes my vulnerabilities.

Tell me the number. I would call him up. I hope I reach him out. Damn! why are you people so far? It gets me nerves. Though I felt bad hearing him. I kept calm and told his number. He looks pretty worried for a stranger, crashing all my doubts regarding his involvement. That's the moment I believed, whatever he was doing, it was just for me, not for his nephew, that made me somewhere happy deep inside me. My guilty would've increased if he would've been dragged this matter without his heart. I never want someone to be the reason for someone's restlessness. But his restlessness lessened my loneliness. And I felt stupidity at the thought. I was getting more comfortable than I necessary with him. I don't want to attach and get hurt badly in end. 

Give me a few minutes, but don't hang on me. You'll be quite at the station. My people will handle things.

Haven't people told you are arrogant and dominating? Talk to me sweetly. I like it that way. I mocked him back.

You may love it but let's not forget you aren't any less rude, that could be toned with my coldness alone. Now chop-chop. And be a good girl for a single day. I grunted loudly for him to hear.

There you go again. You need a tunning, little girl

I'm not little. I highlighted in Caps for his understanding. He is getting into my nerves now.

Then you are definitely a little minion.

Will you for once stop using little in the same sentence as you talk to me or use my name. I yelled without caring about the glances the lady driver was giving to me. She was pretty stunned the way, I'm handling her boss.

I could imagine smoke coming out of ears, It really did. By chance can he see me.

No, I'm not there. Don't look around, If I was, then everyone would've known my wrath, by now. This man, is so authoritative. Damn! I doomed if he finds out the truth. He sounds merciless.

We are here. I looked at the lady, who stopped by station. I gulped, all my determination to tell truth went in the wind, just because of this stupid Malhotra, I know if I even open my mouth, he would fly from wherever he is to hunt me down, this man is walking Danger. 

Pretty can scare, Avni Murthy. The call was blank that meant he kept the call in the hold.

##

The next few minutes went completely in a blur, I was blank no one disturb me from my thoughts, I was shaking in fear to do what and whatnot, that boy who was with me went to give a statement to Sherif with full determination - that even made me gulp in fear, while no one dared to make a move towards me. I was expecting an interrogation at least but none came in my way. 

When I saw white hands were forwarded towards me out of nowhere, I flinched at it in reflex, I looked up to see the most beautiful girl with her brightest smile,

Jessica Faith your lawyer. I frowned at her, I never had an advocate last time I checked. Why would I need even? Yes, I'm a violent person, but definitely that doesn't needed a lawyer.

Manik Malhotra. He has appointed me.

Avni. Avni Malhotra. I hit my head when I realized what I addressed myself. Nonetheless, it sounded so, me.

Avni. Avni Murthy. I corrected it back with embarrassment. What was I even addressing myself? Ayyo!

That incident hampered my memory, I guess.

That's fine. She smiled warmly, sat beside me comfortably at another end. 

You forgot your file yet again babe. I lifted my eyes when I heard the bubbliest manly voice. And there, there he was-

Jack. And he threw the most adorable smile, dude! I was floored. By chance is it a day of meeting my all crushes of the world.

That's my boyfriend, Jack. Did she just crash all my happiness? I glared totally pissed off with her, I don't like her already. Well, she cared to notice my glares and was busy giving lovesick looks to him? Gosh! Aiyyappa am I invisible to people?

He didn't say anything but smiled at my way. I passed my soft smile still struggling to gulp my rage against his girlfriend.

Ms. Faith, you can go in. She left sooner. Saying something to Jack, maybe to leave. Yet, he was reluctant to leave her and go. So, he sat beside me to wait for her.

Show me your hand? He forwarded his hands towards me softly. I worried to do that. Looks can be deceiving. That thought popped my hands, made me sicken inside. Everything was negative around me and so was me. I didn't even dare to trust my own shadow at the moment. It was delusion everywhere.

I won't hurt you. C'mon. With a doubtful look, I kept my hand in his. He thoroughly examined my hands and wounds, which were given first aid. I smiled sadly looking at them with my tears on hold, in my eyes. Hurting my insides.

Can I have my own moment? Where I want to be alone. All by myself. I needed my time to heal my own self. Is what I wanted to ask, but I was feeling short.

Jack kept me engaged by closely examining my wounds. Was he some sheriff or what? Though he knows the medicine well, the way he treated my wounds when he found blood on the bandage on my wrist.

Use these herbs. You'll be healed sooner. He gave a prescription of some herbs.

So, you are a doctor?

No. I'm a student. I frowned deeply.

Your girlfriend is an advocate already. I was like what. She was elder to him. I didn't understand the concept basically. A man would always be elder to his woman, right?

I know, that already. He wasn't totally amused by the question, in fact, I guess he has too used it, already. Though that sounded so gross, how can he love someone elder? I mean. Wait I get it 'love is blind', this blind? oh! fuck.

By the way, she is two years elder to me. And loves me a lot. He filled still examing my wounds.

What about you? I was interested in anything about me, I just don't want to think about anything related to me. I would break down terribly, and this was no place for my break down.

She is the only one, I'm living for. My family. That's when I saw his pupils dancing were diluting with love. That man just fantasized love on a whole different level. If I was floored by his looks. Then his love for her mesmerized me to another level. That's how a love should be or defined.

What are you studying? He changed the topic clearly not want to talk about his love life, which was a major distraction for him. Let me add the boy blush too much.

I told him, then in reply, he told me he was actually doing his training for his new job. He is going to be Bodyguard in the next few months. I wished him luck to get the best but didn't dare to voice out verbally.

I was tired. Totally worn out, that's when the head of the station walking towards me, followed by Jessica with assuring smile.

Everything is fine, Ms. Murthy. I nodded urgently, I was ready for my statement. The Truth.

Not a single word. That's what I heard in my ears. Manik Malhotra was back to talking. Scaring me to shits. Did he by chance take any job of scaring me? He is really intimating and terrifying. Looks are definitely deceiving, in his case. He looks like a handsome boy with a soft heart only if they know him.

It is not just you alone, now. Think about Prathik. That stopped my revoke. I really didn't want to put someone in danger, I was hanging in between truth and twisted story. My one wrong move could destroy him along with me. I gulped. Mathews was already bad news for me, I have no idea about his past.

Think about it. And I guess, my fear of someone destroying for my misery didn't fit well inside me. And the boy named Prathik was definitely not going to doom for doing the right thing.

I didn't find any of your guardian's except Malhotra's. My face fell down terribly.

My mom and brother are out of the country.

I know that. What about your father? The horror wasn't ended, did it. I gulped all the humiliation that kept coming in my mind.

I don't have him around. He is not part of my family or me. I said strongly without letting my emotions flow along. I just don't want to give away anything to anyone. Some feelings were limited to me alone.

Okay. He softened.

Avy. I turned to David, that's it, I ran and clung to him like baby, he collected me worriedly.

David. He was so bad. I told you.

I'm sorry for not believing you. I thought you were reading too much in between lines. I'm sorry Avy to put through this. I feel so guilty about it. I just cuddled with him without any discomfort. He patted my hair. Then everything was forgotten.

Thank you so much, Ms. Faith. I'm really grateful for taking care of my little girl. We'll take it from here. I've Nancy's lawyer to lead further. They nodded their heads exchanged some talks as one of the lady sheriffs walked to me, while I was between Jack and David, securely. Prathik was still not found.

Did he ever try to do something with you?

He was acting weird. No one believed me, so, I was trying to collect some proofs against him, he got to know about it, he was enraged today for the same. I truly answered him.

Okay, Did you know anything more? Her questions weren't vulgar, that didn't make me awkward.

He was saying, he did something to his stepdaughter. And she is no more once he poured acid on her. I'm really not aware of the latter part. Because I was busy protecting me and destroying him. I so wanted to add yet kept shut because Mr. Malhotra was still hearing me. He wasn't talking but I could definitely say, he was very present. His breathing could be heard from another end of the call.

Was he planning to pour acid on your face? Partially yes, but I was the one who venomously poured on him. I wanted to say.

Yes.

Yes.

Background voice so strong that, I couldn't do anything but compel with him, Manik Malhotra just won over me, my truth and me.

You'll have your justice, Ms. Murthy. I nodded my head nervously, the pressure for not telling truth was hunting me down, that I feel sick about myself. I looked David, who blinked his eyes in assurance.

I wanna go home, David. Drop me off. I pleadingly requested him. I want to be anywhere but here.

Okay.

Sir, Mam? Sheriff questioned worriedly. David looked at me.

Let him know whose daughter he has messed.

One scratch on her kids, she would have their head. And he tried to hurt her Smile, now, she'll deal with him personally. He warned them what storm was coming in the name of my mom.

Sir? Sheriffs tried to bargain for some mercy on them, but David was deaf as he walked me out of the station. While my eyes wandered for the boy.

Ms. Faith? I located near the parking lot who was gushing to Jack, who was already smiling in my way.

Thank you for today. David added a few words about the fees, which she clearly denied saying Mr. Malhotra, the owner of school paid her. And there is no need for it.

Thank you, Jack. I fetched my hands before him.

Just take care, sweetheart. Get well soon. He kissed my hair while hugging me, surprisingly, I didn't even flinch with his physical contact. That man comforted me within less time.

I'll. I assured them when my eyes finally located the boy. To whom I personally walked into, leaving David behind.

I'll be back. He raised his eyes.

Get the car.

Anything else, Avy. He tried to add some humor to make me smile.

That would be fine, David. Thank you.

Anytime, my heart.

I hope you know I'm still on call. The demanding voice of sarcasm could be heard from his voice. This man just has shades in a matter of what, half an hour. I had experienced a dozen shades already.

Oh! I thought you were doing part of commanding me till now. I smiled at the boy.

Thank you, so much Prathik. He was surprised by my pronunciation of his name, which he wasn't expecting from British accent girl, if only he knew, I have Indian mom and family. Meaning I'm Indian too.

That's not needed. I did whatever I felt right. He tapped my hands twice to keep quiet, which I had to follow. We have Mr. Malhotra from another end still.

My driver is waiting. I need to leave. He gave a phone to me, my eyes went wide.

Meet you sooner, Avy. I smiled with a confused pout.

I've never seen you at my school. How am I supposed to return to you?

That's the spare phone. You can have it.

And about the meeting, let's see. I have all my life to meet you again. He bid a final bye with that boyish smile, Ayyo, he has cute dimples that anyone could swoon over, which I definitely missed it before.

Now, Can I hear my gratitude? He cried frustration of not getting what he wants to listen, from me. Breaking all my crushing moments, I grumbled at him in my mind for disturbing my mind.

Desperate are we, Mr. Malhotra? I opened the door of my car when David brought it near me.

Now, Now. I don't like your attitude. Did I hear the desperateness in his voice? I giggled wickedly, this man, truly made my day better when everything was going downhill. My shining armor. A mere thank you would never justify for whatever he did to me, a stranger would never do that. Like I'm his personal responsibility, though I hated his cold nature, I need to admit, He was a man with a golden heart. None did that for me. It made me feel secure and occupied until now.

Whose that? David frowned while driving home.

Dean's son.

Tell our gratitude to him. I smiled assuring him. He concentrated on his phone to reach people to clear the mess before mom showers her rage on them or let me put it in other words, joining mom to destroy Mathews in all possible ways. If Viren Mamu is softy of mom, David was someone she calls as her rock.

So?

Someone was saying that he would come to London to straighten my spoilt brat attitude. That time I would say my gratitude to him with all interest. There is no way, I would let him settle on my thank you. That man deserved a reward from me surely. That should make him happy forever.

You know, you are too much. But I'll definitely teach a lesson in your life. He must be snickering while saying that. That made me smile at his irritation.

Waiting... waiting, Mr. Malhotra. I sang with a melody that I'm sure would sound blunt due to my sore throat.

I'll come sooner. That brought my smile back. The real Avni wala smile.

I'll wait. My genuine reply came out of my system, how I wished. Desperate and waiting. I want him to know, that I'll wait for him.

And Mr. Malhotra, I'm not mannerless, I would someday pay you back for whatever you did for me. Putting my gratitude in a thank you would be a shame. You deserve better. And I make sure, you have it all. Good day, Malhotra.

Bye, Baby. Take care of yourself.

You made me speechless. From here everything will be taken care of, by your mom.

I know. Bye.

Bye, Baby Doll. He hung up the call, finally. Leaving such a feeling inside my heart, that I couldn't name it. I let my tears out, which I was holding inside me.

Baby Doll. That ringed inside my ears as I absorbed silence from another side, it hurt me with blank tune. It was more like losing a part of me with that call. I wiped my tears when David passed tissues.

He must be a good man. That he made you speechless and crying. I sniffed hard.

He is. He lives up to his name. A Gem of person. He nodded his head with a smile.

I want to present him, happiness, David. Please find ways for me. I wanna know more about him.

I'll.

Mom shouldn't know. I requested him because I remember how her face fell(On her birthday, when Manik actually started his career again) when I said aloud Abhay looks his junior version. I don't want her to sadden at the same I don't want to lose an opportunity to know him. I wish to be part of his life.

Are you sure about it?

Yeah. Please.

Okay, Avy.

David, I want a new phone.

I'll get it. Whatever you wish. I know it was my pampering time. Though this time that didn't make me feel like a princess but a wounded girl. Who needed a repair.

Mom!

David is here. My ears caught the voice of my brother, who was hurriedly running to mom'a car. My breath hitched seeing him crying already. He was red, completely, he looked more broken than me.

Baby Doll. I cried and cried. I didn't even come out of the car, Abhay was just hugging me cocooning me, he was crying so badly that I could feel his tears on my nape. I didn't dare to look at my mom. I'll lose it every bit of it.

Smile. She tried to get Abhay out of the car to leave me, who just jerked her hands, harshly.

I said to you. I said to you, didn't I? Abhay screamed vulnerably, while I was just cry baby in his hug. Someplace, where I will always be myself, it's my brother, Who is my rock of happiness and sadness. I had him always in my weak moment, that makes him more special than anyone out there. The best part is even mom can't reach that, it's him and me.

Sorry, Abhay. Just get out of the car already. Let me see her at least once. Mom's almost crying voice with guilt; filled my ears. He finally detached from me giving space to mom, who picked me swiftly into her arms. All she did was walk me to my room. I didn't dare to look at her.

I settled on my softest mattress, while Abhay volunteered to prepare food for me because he is just understanding about Mamma's unsaid words. I never understand that unsaid words of their's ever, it comes with their forever bond. I envy a lot because I don't have someone like that at the end of the day. One who understands me before I say.

Let me see. She was crying so badly, hiccuping me more than me.

I'm fine. I was helpless to say anything.

You don't look fine. You don't look like my smile. Everything is messed up. I let it happen with my baby. How could I not be there for you? She ranted on and on. I was not really up for this.

Mom, shit happens, it's fine. I'm fine. That's how I am towards the worst situation. I accept it because there is no escape from reality. Avoiding or running away always makes things complicated, and I don't want that.

Shit happens. But it wasn't supposed to happen with my baby. Do you understand that? I could nod my head, that lady was a stubborn mother.

Let me call the Viren. I want to make sure you are fine. She held her head with tears flowing more than mine. She is completely flushed with that terrible crying of her's. A worried line on her forehead didn't fit well inside my system. I have always been her smile, and I don't want to be a reason for her crying.

Mom, I got treated, they had the best doctors in London. All are female. Please stop it. I just want her to hug me that's it. That would make her and me feel better than anything.

I don't believe anyone. That douchebag of school has to pay. That wasn't surprising at all.

Mom, You can do whatever you want with Board members but not with the new dean. He was the one who helped me the most. Mathews was appointed by one of the Board members without the consent of the dean. I'm not sure. That was what I had collected so far against Mathews, I wanted a solid proof to blow off Mathews from his job, who was appointed by Board without consenting him or maybe by giving false facts to the dean, Raj Malhotra.

Are you sure about that?

If I'm secure here, it's because of him.

If not without guardian I being out of such a place is really not happening. She clearly understood my fact.

Are you fine? I mean. She held her head when she couldn't add words but tears.

I'm fine, mom. You always thought to use my mind.

I guess, My Aiyyappa has given me a smart mind if not strong body to get saved.

I'm not weak but I need some time. A bath could definitely do wonders for me. I was never emotionally attached to mom in terms of my tears. I had a tendency to cry but definitely no longer in front of anyone. I loved my space without anyone knowing about that space of mine. I was way mysterious than Abhay in this matter, you may caught Abhay's doing but not mine, a normal person wouldn't have the idea of how my brain works also.

You can have it all.

And you know, I'm a failure always. I terribly feel at the moment. I saw her completely shattered, there was no confidence in which I see her every day.

You are not. My confidence softened her guilty.

If not your life as my inspiration. I would never fight so confidently. You're the most amazing mom, and I'm proud of what you are and what you made yourself. I wanna live like you. Giving damn about everything, even when the world pulls of your existence. I want to live like you with Head High always. I'm proud of you, Mamma. Just remember it always.

And I also warned Mathews, he will meet a bitch, Who would destroy the rest of his life. I added to bring back that zeal in her.

You are so confident about it.

Your moves are Predictable mom. I gushed my smartness to make it light for her.

Avni, I wanna know clearly about two things.

The first one is?

I'm not predictable. I'm a surprise package. That woman had pride in everything.

Second? I mocked sarcastically.

You are going to joining the defense class. My eyes went horror. No that shouldn't happen.

No.

Yes. Being smart doesn't come handy always. I'm not taking any chances with it again. Maybe Mathews wasn't as smart as you. But that wouldn't be the same with someone who is more smarter than you.

Mom, just for information, Avni is way smarter than anyone out there.

I hate that attitude of yours. She pointed in pissed off tone. And the rest of the things can wait, till she digests the reality, she needed that small break from everything, I'm just making space for her without her knowing.

Come what way, when are you leaving that nasty attitude of yours. I'm sick and tired of it already.

Never. In Bolds. I picked my dress to have a nice shower. Though I shouldn't with wounds I have on my body, let's not forget they are fresh and hurting me like a bitch, then again I feel dirty about everything. I want to wash every possible negativity in my system to rebuild myself.

I don't know how to straighten you.

Don't worry someone promised himself to do that for me and make a favor for you. I wanted to say, I stopped doing it. I walked back to mom, who was looking at me still with proud and worried glint. Tears that weren't shed had the guilt.

Don't be guilty mom, It was in my fate I should endure what's on my plate. Maybe my Aiyyappa wanted to test his Avni, wanted to know whether his baby Avni is strong or not? And he knows the answer that nothing could break me. I'm way stronger for pitty things.

Mom, I want you to know this. Everyone has their own fight. You can't blame it on you, you didn't even know I was in trouble, how are you supposed to know everything? How are you supposed to be there when you weren't present in the first place to know the problem. It's not always I could find you. You have your own life. I have my own. I should fight my own demons and yours. I want to be strong, mom. I can deal with this. And I want you to be proud of me for how I escaped, then being guilty of not being there. You'll always be there for me in all the weak moments with your lesson in my mind, which is always my strength. Just be my strength. I want you to be like that. I'm the reason for your smile. I'll keep it always.

You are so mature and immature at the same time. You have everything of his and mine. That was the first I heard from her. There was a proud feeling in her eyes. So, he wasn't a bad man.

You are like him. You appear as me that's it.

He is immature than. I was curious but I wasn't showing any of it.

He is the most mature person, I ever had in my life. He is a wonderful man. She had that brightest shine in her eyes, that I swear on Aiyyappa, I haven't seen in her eyes.

Still alive?

Very much. I'm breathing means he should also do the same in some other part of the world. That was like the most obvious fact, the way she told me.

That's gross. And couples like them live together not apart. No doubt I don't believe such things.

You don't believe it?

I don't believe in the system of Love. From what I have seen around me, Love feels bullshits which end in the matter of breakup or divorce. Forever is limited for a few months or years. Nothing can reach forever.

Someday you would. I gave cold shoulder at her words. I'm not in the mood for an argument at least today.

Why did he leave you?

Well, it was me who left him. He was not someone who would my hand till his last breathe. I'm his life forever. That dreamy sigh, man something definitely smelled gross. Forever, seriously??

Are we talking about the same man, who happens by my dad now? What of all day, why today? This matter would bring back my headache.

You just deal the worst as him. Though there are thousands of reasons to cry he and you always make sure, I never feel bad about myself. And you are too strong like him. Okay, that man is strong and I inherit it, and the matter ends there, Avni. Just don't hype in happiness, don't forget the bitterness of your life that spread in his name. I warned my heart already, which was ready to celebrate, seriously that bitch needs a lesson.

You talk so great about him? I thought she would be harsh or may never want to answer my question. God forbid, I thought she would punish me or cry out in pain or hide things from us. The lady is truly a surprise package. The way she talked about him had anything but hate for him. He is someone who could make her forget her own existence, I saw that flow in her. The confidence in her was back. I couldn't believe she was the same person who was crying like a baby before me with all the confidence gone. She is someone I couldn't predict.

There is no one in the world, who doesn't know about him. He is the most known person in the world. Then I should google it. Whose is the father of Avni Murthy? How funny it may sound that's the fucking reality of my life. I was maddened at my mom for talking so high about him.

I'm thrilled to learn the fact. But I would love to break your love bubble, he may be world-famous, people may know him for his work or whatever. Then again, he wouldn't be recognized by his own children as their father. How poor is that? I literally feel pity for him already. Take it or leave it, that's how I'm. Deal it if you want me.

Avni, you just ruined it? Why so harsh? The alarm just raises in her, a sudden panic. I never gave a moment in her life, that I hate someone who she loves the most in the world. As I said before my vocals towards my father were always suppressed in front of others. I kept deep inside me. And there is no way, I let someone there. That's my space.

That's me. I'm damn sure, he would be worst than me in terms of harshness.

Smile stop there. I won't tolerate that. You don't even know him as a person. Wow! That man isn't bad as I imagined him.

Fine. I give up. I threw my hands in surrender so that she can have a breath of coping up things.

Why did you leave him, if he was so nice and good as you as said? I demanded an answer of a million but got none.

That's not for you to know. It's about adults. Avoiding. Are we?

Did he cheat you? Not really giving up. When I have a chance, I want to dig in more.

He would never.

Has he married already to someone?

Avni Murthy, there won't be any girl who weighs his heavy tag next to her as me. So, don't you dare to say that! My man is just mine, yesterday, today and forever. Possessiveness which stayed underneath layered out of her skin. Her eyes were screaming so loud about him, and she would never let me harass him in terms of words to lessen my pain.

Possessive are we? I'm liking that attitude of yours.

You don't even know the meaning of it. I've embarked, the whole new definition of possessiveness in him and it is set a benchmark. So, the nerve of that man would never forget a bitch like me. That's. That's my mom.

Sure, he made you leave for that creepy Nandini Murthy attitude of yours.

He would sue now.

He is welcome. Let me see the damn famous hero of yours. Sorry, fairy tale prince of yours. I'm a little curious to know about him.

Maybe someday. And she did ignore the comparison of a fairy tale prince. How romantic??

Does he even know? There will be baggage along with you in the name of kids. I rolled my clothes while seeing her.

Avni, you have grown so blunt that I feel awkward to answer you sometimes. I clearly can say that the baggage of us, costed her living with him. I could collect the uneasiness about the same on her face. So, we are the bad news of that so-called-beautiful-love story. Should I feel hurt or scream at them. I took the third choice, kept quiet. It was easier than lashing out everything.

Good to know. I waved it off. When she got up to leave so that she could avoid my further talks. That was the first time, my mom was so vocal about him, that man. She never talked or said his name. Though I wanted to hear more, I know she is already uncomfortable. She let out too much than she wanted to give away. In fact, it is always easy to get things out of mom, when she is emotional. If not how am I supposed to get such a confidential matter of her life? Her door for her past is always closed for us. She cherished or embraced her pain alone, never let a shadow fall on us even today.

I sat on the bed comfortably. I tugged her leaving palms from the bed.

She stood up confused as I hugged her by the waist. I feel safe here. This what I craved for so long. Mother's warmth and nothing is just comparable when she kneading our hairs lovingly. I feel I'm home and I'm safer than anywhere.

I missed you, Mamma. Thank you for coming back.

I wanted to surprise you at the event. End up getting the worst surprise of my life. My lips curved, when she said, she wanted to surprise me at the event and my lonely feelings were just waste. She wanted to be there for me on my big day, that thought erased all my depressing feeling.

Abhay was very restless. He couldn't sit in his seat for a minute in the jet. I couldn't do anything. I thought it was his passing vibes. But I forget you both are always connected together a mere place change or not seeing each other doesn't change anything between you both. My smile brightened wide hearing it.

I'll get medicine for your throat, we'll go to the doctor tomorrow. I didn't answer her, just tears leaked out of my eyes without my consent. I felt weak and broken.

Mamma will papa would've been there with me, today. If he was with us. I was not sure whether she heard it. Then when she replied everything changed inside me, that was the turning point for me and my life. That was the moment my mindset changed a bit towards my father,

First of all, he would've never let things go this far. He is so overprotective that you can't even imagine and nothing goes unnoticed by him, he would find out something is wrong with a person in a blink of eyes. He is a great reader.

By chance, if he was here with us, He would never let someone even eye you in the wrong way. No one would pass your path with wrong ideas. Her words were strong that made me believe her.

He would die for the person, he loves.

And I'm sure with your charm you would have him in your palm always.

Then I would say without a second thought. He would have been with you and never let you go through worst alone.

He would bring you to me securely. That I need not worry about anything if he was by your side.

And when she completed it, I couldn't relate to the only person, The Manik Malhotra. That's how he brought to her. Without letting anyone touch me. Safe and secure. I smiled brightly.

Manik Malhotra will be the best dad if he ever becomes a father.

End of Flashback

##

I was surprised when I saw my sketchbook. And Manik Malhotra was imprinted when I didn't want want to sketch in the first place.

(Credits: to the person, I'm no owner of it)

Mamma changed my mindset of the father but it was purely papa's effort to erase my hatred towards him. A gradual ongoing connection between us did remove bitterness inside me. My communication really did wonder how was I and how I been. It was a long journey, yet I will remember a bitter day which turned as a boon to me. Everything changed that for good. To meet Manik Malhotra, my own daddy.

I threw a glance at the window, Jack was pressing his forehead worriedly while talking on the phone, that made me frown.

I couldn't believe that Man, Jack, who floored me literally is my bodyguard today. I never expected that. Then again we did had quite eventually years with each other. I never thought, how things changed with Papa and Jack, from the first meet to here.

I become arrogant spoiled brat to Jack, while cute innocent baby to my dad. Such a huge transformation.

Ms. Murthy? I looked up to our computer science teacher, who informed my dad was waiting for me.

Is it Manik? She nodded her head. I walked out of class with my bag pack, the first thing I did was to locate Jack, who was nowhere to be seen, something was definitely wrong here. I operated my watch then I saw the location of Mrudula, which was showing her class direction. I tried to locate Prathik, who was not in his class but in the ground. What was even doing there? When he had Principal class. Earth shatters, Prathik doesn't miss it just because he doesn't want complains going to his mom.

All I did was press the button on my watch. Ran to Prathik, I made a quick call to Gautam, Mrudula's bodyguard.

Gautam, is Mrudula in her class?

Yeah, she is pretty, Ms. Malhotra. Anything wrong?

Find Jack, he is missing from his spot. One scratch on him, you will lose your job, Gautam.

Locate Ms. Faith. Nothing could make him that worried than her. His only family. In fact, Jack found her in his foster home, she was so kind that he had to fall for her. Then nothing was looking back for him. They have come so long that it could be a decade more If I'm not wrong.

You really scare me, now. My feet moved in high speed towards the ground. I hung up the call. Made sure I have everything handy in my bag and accessories, this is it Avni.

Prathi? He wasn't there. The ground was plain empty. My eyes roamed around the ground, I saw his things nicely kept in the usual place. Where he did he went, that's when I heard soft footsteps. I secretly pressed the watch and slipped my phone to my pocket.

I acted unaware, when they held a cloth on my face from behind, surprising that it didn't affect my conscious. I was thrilled, yet I acted a bit to give away for the drama.

Here we go for another adventure, Avni Manik Malhotra. You have a great day ahead. Aiyyappa please be with me.

Then I let them carry me, effortlessly, you silly.

That's when it clicked me, I had fucking breakfast prepared by mom. That woman knows how to keep me secure. And now nothing could harm me in my conscious and she knows my strength of it.

End of Avni's Pov

##

Nandini's Pov

So, you were the one who helped her out? That man literally blew my system in no time.

Hmm. I can't still believe that spoiled brat was my baby Pumpkin. Trust me, I'm still not believing how brat she was. For God's sake, she looks so innocent and mature today, then I can't possibly imagine how I heard her long back. Manik wasn't stopping his amazement, I could see through it. He was completely baffled.

I vaguely remember her voice. That doesn't even match how Avni talked in real or on the phone. his doubts weren't ending.

She had a sore throat. There is no way you could comprehend her voice. It was completely cracked at that time. And for the phone call, she is used to taking the help of voice module, so, that you don't identify her. I gushed about Avni in proud, he threw a disbelief look to me.

You knew it. Why didn't you tell me? Totally surprised by what I said.

Manik, Avni knows to use her sources so well. Starting she took help from David then later from everyone including you too. He cursed at his own innocence. He thought he was dealing with children, but forgot Avni is no childlike others.

How was she so brat? I mean, such huge transformation? Having you as a mother, that couldn't be even possible. Still not believing how Avni changed in a matter of two years. And I didn't get the part whether he complimenting me or mocking me at first, then I glared him hard understanding what he really meant.

Shutup. I cuddled myself more in sheets.

Avni was very blunt and that creepy attitude was fed inside her system more than needed, all thanks to Abhay. He spoiled her so bad that I can't even imagine. Can you imagine she not doing one single dish back home? Abhay used to do everything. He just overpampered her, that I couldn't put a limit. I would certainly agree that Avni is too lazy to do any work of hers.

Then again, Avni wasn't afraid of everyone. Her life her rules. And there was no stopping. That was not the case of Abhay, he was not a brat, yes, he was arrogant but to the people who aren't nice to him or us. Abhay used to abide by me as he never wished to go against me, he did only things that made me happy and proud, he respected me very high. Very polite to the people he hangs out. While Avni, she is too judging, not that she judged people by their class, but definitely how the behaved with her and behind her, basically their mindset. Avni was a good mind reader, which resulted in having only finger counting friends, who are very genuine. She is too bitter to the people who are disrespectful to her. She gives respect to only people who respect her back. If you're in her good books, she makes life heaven. But by chance, if you did something bad to Abhay or her, be ready to have her wrath. She was so different back then, I totally agree.

I vaguely remember that was the first time, I talked about you in front of her. I admitted in front of him, as he sat behind me taking into his arms completely, that did ease my back pain to a great extent.

You never said a word them. I bobbed my head in no.

No. They never even questioned me once. I have no idea how did they manage things. I expected them to talk but that day never came. I was too emotional seeing her so hurt that day, but she was consoling me than I did to her. I was guilty, if not Avni's consoling words, I would've died in the guilt for letting things happen with her.

She was just like you, too caring, Always bought the brightest smile on my face. Though we didn't have emotional bonding like Abhay and I have, she made sure I never had a sad face. Just like you. I said her the same, that was the first time I heard how cold she was towards you. She was literally hating you, kept deep inside her.

Even I heard the same when cops asked about me, she was very plain, though I could read bitterness in her voice. She didn't give away more than needed to the sheriffs. It was David, what I heard from her. I was just helpless, I was sitting somewhere in the world and she another part all miserable, I was in Sydney at that time. It was a very horrible situation for me. I had to be tough to make her talk or to make her forget things, her harshness did help me to keep the conversation ongoing. I said I will straighten her bratty attitude to you. And she said she'll wait for me to come, genuinely. I was overwhelmed. He hugged her tighter.

You know she literally didn't thank me when I mocked, She promised me that her gratitude won't be in simple thank you. But in a bigger number. And she kept her promise, look what her gratitude brought me, You and them. She is a wonderful girl, Jaanu.

I agree with that. Waise did you missed anything to tell me? He nodded his head in casual yes. But why I strongly feel, that he did hide something from me.

Are you sure about that?

Of course, baby. Why would I lie?

Because you love your daughter as equal to me. And you could do anything for her. I reasoned him.

Correction, she comes after you with Abhay. My Jaanu comes before anyone. He hugged me lovingly.

I love you, you know I feel so better and revealed now. He frowned keeping his face to my right shoulder.

I thought Avni was alone in that station bearing everything. Then when you said, you were with her, I feel better, she needed that support and you gave it. She may not say, but a girl needs a father always to protect her just like you did. That's what floored your daughter. Your caring and overprotectiveness. And that was the very thing she craved all her life.

She needed someone to bend her, love her and understand her before saying and you did always. That's what every girl expects from her father. You screwed her when she made mistakes, gave silent treatments to punish her, she had no go but to do what you want her to do, praised her when she did something good. Loved her, even when she was weak and made mistakes. You were there whenever she needed you. Just a call away, she had special person called Manik Malhotra, who could/would do everything for her. A sense of being in protecting shelter what she felt with you. Listening to her nonsense, her lectures, her feelings, you have been a great listener, I had less time for this kind of thing, you provided her that freedom to express maybe that is the reason, she so vocal to you. Ultimately she respects you so high than anyone and you earned her trust and respect without even asking.

Then your one 'no' could really do wonders on her. She shaped her life without her knowledge, unknowingly you did change her attitude. A father was what Avni needed to correct her messy attitude. And I'm damn proud of you, you sat in India and her in London, I could definitely say how great you were at your parenting. You did magic in matter of two years that I couldn't do in eight years. Man! You make me jealous. That was pretty long talk I did, without his disturbance, he wanted to listen from me, maybe hearing how bad father he was, that too from me, as awakened his insecurities from a long time, that needed to be calmed, all I could do is, mirror his own graph of fatherhood to show how magnificent, he is doing as their father, especially being His Pumpkin's father.

I'm overwhelmed, Mrs. Malhotra. I giggled at his face, he had that mist of happiness, which I wished to see always in his eyes. Only happy tears will be gifted to you, Mani. That's my promise to you.

Are you on periods? I frowned when he asked.

No, why do you ask?

You aren't. Absurd woman, I want to make insane love with you, by now I would've knocked you down already. You wasted all my time. My eyes widened when his hands moved inside sheets. I jerked his hands, as I ran to the bathroom.

Dirty-minded, Malhotra. I scoffed at him.

What? You tempt me till I feel the pain when I talk, you feel dirty. Then let me redefine Manik Malhotra's dirty to you, Mrs. Nandini Manik Malhotra. I banged the door on his nose, I heard his shriek in the background, I laughed holding my sheets.

Manik Malhotra, I will redefine the rest that the doctor prescribed for you a week. I heard his groan.

Nandini, come out. I could possibly imagine him holding his nose and glaring at the door, I giggled more as I stepped inside the tube to relax my nerves. That's when my mind clicked, how I failed to take my pregnancy test, all because of that hyper daddy Malhotra. I grumbled.

Are you there, baby? I knocked my stomach with a feather touch, giggled myself.

If your there, please bring lots and lots of happiness to my baby, Mani. I smiled at myself with a bright blush, I freshened up quickly, as that Malhotra kept on banging the door of the bathroom, impatient man in the world.

I hope our happiness knocks louder, Manik.

So, loud that it should bring the world's happiness on your feet every time you remise it. I guess you already knocked your woman, so bad that she is having your baby Malhotra already. I palmed my face in shyness. I just wanna spread happiness to you, Manik Malhotra, that's where you walk on barefoot.

##

Well, the writer is just back. Definitely, I'm.

Why I get stuck every time, I don't know.

Whole chapter. Everything about Avni Malhotra and Manik Malhotra.

Did you like this version of Avni?

Man, someone help me to get Jack's real name, I'm just tired to remember his real name. I have the only pic which is updated in a chapter. Help me though.

Vulnerable Avni?

Fighter Avni?

Sassy Bitch Avni?

Daddy's brat Avni?

Mamma's Smile Avni?

Abhay's spoiled sister Avni?

Bossy Avni?

Saddened Avni?

Queen of mockery Avni Murthy?

Friendly Avni?

Woooo! Avni have the shades, which change more than Bangalore's season in one day. Kamalki ladki nikli hain.

Protective daddy is Manik Malhotra, with or without connection. It doesn't even matter.

Prathik?

What you wanna say? I let you judge the matter. Hiding truth was it right? Or somebody stopping the victim, to tell the truth, was right? I let this judge you.

Do you think Manik knows the truth?

Where is Jack? Did something really happen to Ms. Faith, his girlfriend?

Man, how many crushes one can have in one day? Dude! give me a break.

Rude Manik, were you expecting that? A first-ever conversation?

Dad is the person who can bend you and discipline you. A father is an important person in Childs life. He is the one who knows to overpamper you at the same time to draw lines for everything. Protecting and warmth are what you expect from him. What do you say? How do you feel about father?

Things just change when you have a dad, a man with different skills.

Nandini and Avni?

A working woman, not able to concentrate on her child due to work, but again she is the only breadwinner of the family and head of the house. Is Nandini wrong somewhere? are the situation? I blame the situation than anything. The society is a place where everything is wrong.

If you were Avni, what would be on your mind? Giving up on fate or fighting against fate?

Never give up. And regret later.

Nandini and Avni's convo? Desperate am I to hear it from you?

Manik is the best daddy in life?

Uff, Nandini hasn't taken the test, yet?? Thank god, I got hear full from some DM's. Let Manik have the joy. Then what's on my mind?

The drama starts in the next chapter.

Till then goodnight babies.

People I have update finally.

Miss me

Lots of love.