Being confused, I sat down to understand my thoughts and analyze the situation. I was deeply engaged in my thoughts when I suddenly felt someone sitting beside me. I looked up to see Dad.

He was a tall, dark fellow not at all looking like me. Why would he look like me if he isn't my real father? Well, at least he cares about me more than my real father could ever.

He asked," What happened this time that you are so busy with your whirlwind of thoughts?"

Yes, he knows about my previous encounters with Sargam. So, I told him about today's incident and he was trying to hide a smile threatening to grow on his face.

He spoke," Rutvika, maybe you abruptly left isn't the only reason for him to act this way. I think it's something deeper. Also, if you truly believe that Vikram's words are trustworthy then he still is the same boy whom you'd left without a goodbye."

That's when the doorbell tings and my dad opens the door. I was shocked would be an understatement when I saw TARA at the door.

She was equally surprised on seeing Dad who is actually my step dad. Still in a dazed look as if in a world of her thoughts, she entered the house.

"Well, well, well.... What's going on here? Whose this man? Are you going on the wrong way miss pretty goody shoes?" was what left Tara's mouth which made me and Dad in complete shock and I replied back," Nope.... He .. he" I don't want to reveal my secret but when I saw dad's face I understood that he was thinking that I was ashamed which make me speak," He's my dad." Tara's face was a sight to see as these words left my mouth. Her mouth opening and closing, gaping like a fish with no words coming out.

I think that she came out of her own world and after analyzing the situation she ran away on her long, tanned legs which were really speedy not giving me a chance to explain the situation. My dad held a questioning glance but nonetheless shrugged as if nothing happened and went outside to take a stroll.

Still I decided to contact my besties and ask for a solution to the problem named 'Tara' which was truly enough to cause chaos in my new life.

Well, they gave me curious glances on hearing my situation and were astonished after knowing that I exposed my secret. Now the question was, what would Tara do now? My friends just suggested to wait and watch. Still I am tensed about this. Who knows how many rumours about me can arise from this one single confession. Last time, when I'd left the city, my friends had informed me about the rumours that had haunted their nights. Along with me, I don't want them to face the same situation once again. I've worked really hard for this new, improved lifestyle and I can't let anyone destroy it. My family and friends have suffered enough and more than they deserve.

Flashback//

As soon as I left my house with my mother and was safely out of the city, Pari called me on the mobile phone which I'd bought just before a few days only to contact her on her demand when I'd told her about my plans.

She had insisted on staying in contact and I couldn't let her go as she was my best friend plus she kept giving updates to Radhika.

I picked up her call with tears brimming my eyes as I was leaving them back and moving on in my life.
"Yes, Pari."

"How are you? Have you reached safely there?"

"Yes I have. It's been two days since I left that place."

"And it's horrible without you. Everyone misses you especially your little brother and Sargam. Sargam is going through his pain by being numb while your brother's sadness can be seen through his eyes."

"I know. But you know that my and mother's endurance level was up now. And I've left by force rather than choice."

" Yeah. I know. And I just can't bear to hear the rumours about you. "

" Don't worry. They'll calm down with time. Just you take care of yourself and our other friends."

"Yes, I will. You too take care."

// End of Flashback

That's how my confused day ended with more confusion piling up in my head.