No one noticed my makeup, I had a hard time chewing food that night. I got a call from an unknown number. Guessing it must be Senthil, I picked up eagerly.

"Hello," I said but was met with silence.

"Hello," I repeated, but silence again. "Senthil?"

I was answered with a heavy breathing sound, "I am sorry."

"It was an accident Senthil, no problem."

"Still, I hurt you, I am sorry."

"Apology accepted."

"How is your jaw?"

"Better. Sai gave me medicine. I don't feel much pain."

"I am sorry."

"Senthil, will you do something for me?"

"Anything."

"Will you stop fighting?"

The silence returned. I continued, "Please, it hurts me to watch you like that. I don't want to see you get hurt," my voice broke at the end.

"Ok."

"Thanks."

"Hello," I said just to break the long pause that ensued.

"About what Thirumalai said -" Senthil stopped hesitantly.

"I don't care what that jerk said, Senthil. Don't worry."

Again Senthil was silent.

"I will come to the match tomorrow."

"Don't," he said urgently.

"Will I meet you again before you leave Chennai?"

"I will call you again tomorrow, I am calling from a coin booth. Love y-" The call went off.

After the fight with Thirumalai, Senthil seemed off, answering in fewer words. I wanted to see him. Maybe he didn't want any more trouble from Thirumalai or maybe Mohan sir had told him off.

Sai and I watched the latest Tamil movie after dinner. Tamil movies are usually like musicals but not quite. A typical movie will have five to six songs. A hero's/heroine's introduction song, sometimes both, two or three romantic songs, one sad song if it's a melo, and one at the climax.

A dance number was playing, when Sai pulled me saying, "Come let's dance, it's been ages since we danced together."

"What are you telling, we danced together even last Sunday."

"Ya, but that was just a video call."

We started our Sunday dance routine when we ran out of things to talk about. It has been almost 5 years since we started.

We breathed heavily as we slumped after the dance. We ditched the movie and danced. The whole family had formed an audience...

"What's your plan for new year's eve?" Shivani asked.

"We are going to Yelagiri," Sai said, draping his hands over my shoulder.

"We are?" I asked him in surprise.

"Yes, You are going to convince dad to let us use the hospital's holiday resort."

I narrowed my eyes, understanding his evil plan, "Oh no, Mister; I am not doing anything; I am not your scapegoat; I know you will ditch me."

"When have I ever done something like that?" he asked indignantly.

"During that BBQ party last year you ditched me for that slut."

I don't usually cuss someone. Especially never something that degrades women. But there was no other way to describe that despicable person. I hated her.

"And that birthday party where he simply forgot and left you behind," Shivani chimed in.

"No need to get worked up on simple things."

"What are you three whispering?" asked Ravi maamaa.

"Dad, I would like to celebrate New Year's eve with Anu in Yelagiri. Can I borrow your resort?"

"Don't bother maamaa, I would like to stay with you all," I said, as Sai glared at me furiously.

"I am sorry, Anu, I have a company party. You can enjoy the new year with Sai," said Ravi maamaa.

Sai came to my room that night carrying a brownish paste in a bowl.

"What is this?"

"Traditional medicine for a blood clot."

"I am not eating it," I revolted. It had the strong odor of garlic.

"You don't have to."

"Then?"

"Come here." He gently wiped the makeup off my face and started applying the paste on the blood clot. "There, this will remove the blood clot in no time."

"What is it?"

"It's a mix of tamarind, garlic, and jaggery"

When I looked at him dubiously, he added, "This works as well as the ointments with benzyl nicotinate and it doesn't have the side effect of burning or irritation. Since the facial skin is sensitive, I prepared this."

"I hope it gets better before our trip."

"It will."

"Who are all going to come with us?"

"Not all, just one"

"Who?"

Sai hesitated before saying, "Neethu."

I felt horrible. "Not that slut! What a happy new year it's going to be for me!"

"Hey, she is not that bad."

"Speak for yourself, she is a bitch. Sai, you have poor taste in girls, please don't tell me you are dating her."

"We are just friends with benefits."

"Friends?"

"Fine, just benefits"

"I would rather stay here than come with her."

"Anu, I can't leave you all alone on new year's eve, no one is going to be home."

"You would rather leave me alone in my room while you bang her?"

"Hey, I won't let you feel lonely. I promise."

"You know that I hate her and still ask me this. I am not coming."

"You could ask Senthil to come if you wish, I am sure dad won't mind."

I narrowed my eyes in response. Just like always, Sai knew how to easily manipulate me.