《Short Recap》

"No, you just feel that you have to. You don't need to," Vinay said softly, "You did your bit, now let the others handle the rest."

Letting out a drawn out sigh, I pulled away and stood up.

"Ok, I guess I'll just drop in tomorrow." I muttered dejectedly.

Standing up, Vinay pulled my small hand into his and interlocked our fingers before leading me out. I let him. I didn't have it in me to resist, not today.

They say that the world always moves on, but to me that was the saddest part...

●○●

"It's beautiful." I clasped my hands together, as I stared in awe.

"I know." Vinay smirked, the affection evident in his eyes.

In front of me stood a silver and black Royal Enfield Classic 350. It gleamed invitingly in the darkness, drawing me to it.

"How on earth did you afford it?!" I asked, narrowing my eyes suspiciously.

"Come on, quit staring at me like that, Akira. I did not loot any bank," Vinay laughed, swinging one leg over the mighty metal beast, "It's second hand although it doesn't look like it. Still cost me a pretty penny though."

"Rich kids." I muttered under my breath, rolling my eyes indignantly as the mighty 346.6cc engine hummed to life in the silent parking lot of the hospital, roaring like a wild beast marking its territory.

"Hop on." Vinay cocked his head slightly.

I climbed onto the slightly elevated pillion seat and grabbed onto the metal body for support.

"This is the part where you put your arms around me and hold on for your dear life," Vinay said, sending me a wink through the rearview mirror, "Go ahead, I won't mind."

"No thank you. I'll pass." I replied, gripping the metal tail tighter.

Vroom...vroom...

The motorcycle vibrated rhythmically under me as it sped onto the main road. Vinay accelerated it suddenly and the inertia swept me forward, a little closer to him.

"I know exactly what you're up to, you ass," I shouted over the noise of the engine, inching backwards.

"I have no clue what you're talking about." Vinay replied with a shrug.
Chuckling lightly, I shook my head at his childishness.

As if they had a mind of their own, my fingers slowly let go of the metal tail and I raised my hands up in the air. I tipped my chin up, letting the cool night breeze hit my face as I closed my eyes and savored the feeling.

The sound of the motorcycle drowned out all the surrounding clatter and the world seemed to melt away around me.

In that moment I felt free, free of all my fears and insecurities. Only I existed and nothing could hold me down. It was exhilarating.

"You have to teach me how to ride a bike." I said, leaning forward so that Vinay could hear me.

"Who said I'm ever going to let you near my baby?!" he turned back.

"Eyes on the road, idiot!" I cried out in alarm, pushing his head to face ahead.

Vinay rumbled with laughter at my reaction, as he pulled in through the main gate of our apartment complex.

He parked the bike and jumped off fluidly. He paused, waiting for me to get off.

Wow that's a first.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Vinay Karthik has finally discovered the art of chivalry! And here I thought, it was long gone from amidst us.

Vinay and I climbed the stairs silently, the air around us suddenly feeling heavier that usual.

On entering the flat we lingered in the tiny passage leading into the house awkwardly, both waiting for the other to say something.

"I should probably go and take a bath." I mumbled, "I stink."

"Yeah." He replied, "I mean you don't exactly stink..."

I cut him off with a loud snort, "It's fine I know, I smell awful. You don't need to try and be polite."

Laughing, I sauntered to my room and shut the door behind me with a light click.

After washing myself clean and removing the coagulated blood from my hair with hot water, I walked out of the bathroom victoriously. My wet hair hung limply on my face and cascaded like stringy noodles down my neck.

Note to self: Don't ever get your hair into bloody mess again. It's a bloody pain in the ass! Period.

Putting on my pajama shorts and an oversized band t-shirt that had once belonged to my father, I made my way out and into the kitchen.

Vinay placed a plate of food on the counter in front of me.

"What's this?" I asked.

"I figured you'd be famished and you have had a really long day so I whipped up something." He replied with a nervous smile.

"Why, thank you!" I beamed, digging in.

"It's nothing. Just egg burji and rice."

I polished off the plate in a matter of minutes and sat back with a contented sigh, "That was delicious!"

"Umm...Akira?" Vinay said hesitantly.

"Hmm?"

"About what I said in the morning, I'm deeply sorry." He said, staring intently at his feet.

"I'd prefer to not talk about it. How about we forget it altogether?" I sighed.

"Not talking about it does not make it ok, Akira." He whispered hoarsely, running his fingers through his hair.

I shifted my gaze to meet to his.

"Ok, I'll tell you what your words made me feel. Will that make it okay?" I stated coldly, rage bursting into my veins, "You put me in a horrible position today. You made me feel like a worthless whore. You made me regret helping you. You made me feel vulnerable and dirty. There, no you can go ahead and apologize."

Vinay looked away, guilt clouding his eyes.

"Where's the apology you owe me now?" I berated, "Why are you speechless?"

I pushed the plate in front of me away, and stood up.

"Thank you for the dinner." I said in a clipped tone, leaving Vinay in the kitchen to do the dishes.

I took a long time to fall asleep that night. I tossed and turned restlessly in bed.

One of my biggest flaws was that I always forgave people. Even when they did not deserve it.

I just hope that I don't end up hurting myself in the process...

●○●

I woke up the next day with sunlight filtering in through the window, blinding my sleepy eyes as I opened them. A strange tiredness washed over my body, and I slumped back under the covers.

Rolling over I checked the time. It was nine twenty.

I frowned sleepily. I rarely slept in so late.

Thank God I'm not going to college today!

I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling mindlessly, as I concentrated on the cawing of a crow sitting outside my window.

"Akira!" Vinay rapped on my bedroom door, "I know you're awake."
I ignored him.

"I'm coming inside. Two seconds to tell me if you're decent or not." He shouted.

The door opened revealing Vinay. He'd already bathed and dressed up for college.

"What do you want?" I asked without batting an eyelash.

"Well, since you've decided to bunk today," he started excitedly, "I've decided not to go either. Wouldn't want you sulking all day."

I rolled my eyes.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Get your sorry ass out of bed and get ready." He shouted over his shoulder as he went out.

Wait what?!

I grunted indignantly, as I pulled the sheets away and got out of bed.

Cheers to a long day ahead!

●○●

I wonder how their day out is going to be?
Well, thank you for reading and vote, comment and share if you're enjoying the story!!

Burji: Indian style scrambled eggs with chilli, onions and other spices.

Have a marvelous day!!