Sometimes, all you need is one little decision to finally embrace your heart's desire. Your dreams are precious. But without the peace of mind, you cannot approach your dreams. Peer pressure can be exhausting. It has the potential to mess with your intelligence. It might leave you confused to make a decision that can actually be the best choice for you.

Until unless your heart and intelligence are at peace together, things will never work out as they should. It is entirely based on that little decision you make that cancels out the noise from outside.

It all depends on your decision.

~~~

Abhiraj stepped aside letting the woman enter. "Zinnia, what are you doing here?" he warily asked. Clearly, he wasn't amused by her sudden appearance. His voice was tight, telling he wasn't at all expecting the person whoever she was, at this moment or at this place.

Priyasha eyed the girl. She was probably in her mid-twenties and absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Slim, tall and most amazingly with her heels on, she was matching Abhiraj's height just perfect. Priyasha's eyes darted toward Abhiraj then settled back on her.

Were they... a couple?

A queasy feeling suddenly sank down in her heart which wasn't at all reasonable. As she watched them, she realized, this feeling could add to her nightmare. She never wanted to witness someone's personal conversation, and she hated to admit, she wasn't liking seeing them together. She remembered where she had seen her before, in their office cafeteria. Although at that time she barely paid attention to her, she definitely meant something to Abhiraj.

Priyasha's hand closed around her phone tightly as her eyes locked on Zinnia.

Meanwhile, Zinnia pouted then batted her long eyelashes at Abhiraj, completely ignoring Priyasha's presence. "Roy, it's been four days since you showed up. I was missing you so much and couldn't stop myself from coming over here." She smiled gorgeously at him before her eyes darted away from him and fixated on Priyasha.

"Oh!" Zinnia looked surprised at first then her expression changed to more cordial. "Hi!" She waved at Priyasha. Priyasha exchanged a quick glance with Abhiraj, which provided no bit of information, before replying to her. "Hello."

"Roy, wouldn't you introduce us?" She tilted her head, pretending to be lively and convivial. "Who is she?"

Priyasha shrugged and muttered inaudibly, "Nobody, I guess."

"Sorry?"

"She's Priyasha, my paying guest," Abhiraj answered.

"Oh! Nice to meet you, Priyasha."

"Same here." Priyasha faked a smile, not wanting to make a questionable impression on her. She looked at Abhiraj then back at her. He never mentioned about her, and why would he anyway? It wasn't like they were friends or something. It wasn't like they had been getting along well. It wasn't like he would be bothered about this trivial revelation anyway! Argh, there was no reason after all. Priyasha groaned inwardly then dismissed her thought forcibly.

A frown crept up on his face as he said, "She's Zinnia, my..." and trailed off uncomfortably.

"His girlfriend." Zinnia completed his sentence earning a grimace from him.

Now it was Priyasha's turn to be shocked. A few seconds of staring at Abhiraj, which was surely longer than necessary, she realized what Zinnia just said. Her relationship to Abhiraj was much more intimate than her liking. Abhiraj too, startled by Zinnia's sudden disclosure, fixed his gaze on Priyasha's face. Sure enough, whatever Zinnia said was true because for the first time in a while, his intimidating eyes wavered; he blinked and averted his gaze.

Abhiraj never once mentioned he had a girlfriend. Then also, why would he? It wasn't like they were seeing each other. He never promised her any such thing. But he did promise... in many ways, wordlessly. He promised nonetheless! Perhaps, she was over analyzing things. Besides it was strictly business from the start. The fact that frustrated her more at the very moment was, she kind of started believing in him. It was awful and unacceptable for her.

"Oh." She was in loss of words. She didn't know how to react. "O-okay, I... I should leave," she said in an undertone, looking over to Zinnia, losing the yearning to meet his eyes anymore. "I have an appointment." She pretended to check her watch. "It's getting late already. It's nice meeting you, Zinnia. But please excuse me."

"Yeah, sure." She beamed, and it was evident from her expression that she was somewhat relieved to get rid of her unwanted presence.

Priyasha sighed, with one last glance at Abhiraj she moved past them, striding quickly toward the door. But what happened next, she never saw it coming. The man present in the room was capable of over-matching any speed she would ever take. If it was something of his interest, he'd not back away from taking any absurd action. Unfortunately, she inflicted some of his interests.

Without any warning, Abhiraj caught a hold of her hand and stopped her. "Wait, I'll accompany you."

Priyasha spun around annoyed and looked down where their hands were linked. A heavy uncomfortable silence dropped in. Priyasha's eyes found their way first at Abhiraj then aviated freezing on Zinnia's face. Zinnia also looked at their joined hands, her eyes swayed back and forth between Abhiraj and Priyasha until it stopped on Abhiraj's face. She looked confused.

Priyasha somewhat felt sorry for her being fallen in love with a deceiving man like Abhiraj. On the other hand, Abhiraj's eyes never once strayed from Priyasha's face. They must have looked like a thing. Everyone looking at the other, running thoughts inside which were too awkward to comprehend. Until Priyasha glanced between Zinnia and Abhiraj, shook off her hand quickly and stuttered uneasily, "I-I... it's nice, you... you asked Abhiraj. But I'll manage. You guys enjoy."

"I never asked. I'm telling that I'm coming with you," was his downright response. "And, I'm sure Zinnia wouldn't mind if we go for a dinner date after dropping you." He looked over at Zinnia, who was although taken aback, but agreed to his suggestion.

Therefore, he grabbed his car's keys from the key holder before walking out the apartment first. Zinnia cast a glance at Priyasha. It was somewhat between malicious and disappointing before she followed him out quietly.

Priyasha sighed. A part of her wondered about what to make out of the whole drama? Was she actually being treated like a captive? Because, apparently that's how a captive was treated. Her shoulders drooped realizing she had no choice right now or until she could find some way to get herself out of this mess. She wasn't sure, at this point, if it was even possible. She silently moved out the door, often stealing glances from Zinnia, who, by any means, wasn't pleased with the situation. Abhiraj shut the door close and locked it. They went down to the parking lot, found his car and settled in. Zinnia of course in front, on the passenger seat while Priyasha was at the back seat.

The silent car ride at the beginning made the situation worse. Sitting behind, Priyasha looked out the window, trying to figure out the reason of the awkward silence between Abhiraj and Zinnia who was clammed up just like herself. Several minutes later, Zinnia broke the silence and began communicating with Abhiraj.

Since Abhiraj caught her hand like that, Zinnia had been looking strangely at Priyasha. As a consequence, Priyasha felt remorseful and absolutely useless of her reputation. She observed Abhiraj from behind. His shoulders were stiff and eyes often lingering on the rearview mirror. Whenever their eyes would meet, she'd uncomfortably look away and turn her head to the window. These recurring events were making her more nervous with time. What she actually scared of was his intimidating eyes and all the secrets they held. She feared, if their gaze prolonged at each other, his eyes might give away those secrets which she wasn't sure she'd even like to learn. Moreover, his gaze held such intensity, it wasn't at all impossible for them to break her heart in million pieces.

Because, eyes do not tell lies and at the very moment his eyes were giving out bountiful of secrets she dared not recognize.

On the way, they picked up the agent. Priyasha was actually relieved for having some stranger's company for the first time in her life. The agent discussed all the relatable information that might be needed at the time of the hostel visit.

While they reached their destination, Abhiraj went ahead to park the car. The three of them entered the residential area to talk to the manager. The location of the hostel was at a very convenient place. IT hub and other corporate offices were at ten minutes' distance. Three shopping malls were also available within the vicinity. Even the supermarket was at three minutes walking distance. A private hospital was within seven minutes' drive and airport could be reached within twenty minutes from here. A branch of state bank & ATM was just around the corner. Overall, a very convenient place to live. Priyasha was quite impressed by all the arrangements and was keen to see the condition of the rooms. If the room available could match her requirements, she would confirm the booking right today.

The keeper was a lady in her late forties, unmarried or might be widowed. After exchanging handshake, the agent took the entire dealing on his account.

Zinnia was exceptionally quiet until now. After a few minutes of listening to their conversation, she swiftly dragged Priyasha inside a spare room. It was probably a makeshift office. Hidden from others' sight, she demanded irately, "What's going on here?"

"Sorry?" Priyasha was clueless at first, then it dawned on her. She was indicating her and Abhiraj's exchange, which she was low-key expecting. She knew she'd have to face it sooner or later.

Zinnia was clearly vexed with whatever that was going on. But Priyasha didn't know how to explain it to her.

"Stay away from Abhiraj. He's mine."

At those words Priyasha would have laughed. But she neither quite felt it right nor it was needed. "Believe me Zinnia, that's the same thing I've been trying to do, and I'd be the most delighted person if I become successful in that."

"Don't act smart Priyasha. How has he been looking at you, the way he's been caring for you- telling something else. Listen," Scowling, Zinnia shifted her weight from one foot to another and crossed her arms. "I love him, and we're going to be engaged coming October. I don't want any issues before that."

Priyasha reached out and patted on her shoulder gently. "Zinnia, calm down. I've no intention to ruin your and his engagement. Trust me, I'll be happy for both of you."

At the very moment, they heard Abhiraj's perplexed voice coming from outside. He was unmistakably shouting out... Priyasha's name over and over, clearly anxious of the fact she was out of his sight. Zinnia glared at Priyasha while the latter sighed and called out, "We're in here."

Priyasha eyed the entrance as Abhiraj's tall, firm frame appeared at the doorway. In a haste, Zinnia pulled at Priyasha's arm abruptly, turned her around in a swift motion and furiously slapped across her face. Both Priyasha and Abhiraj were flabbergasted by the sudden careless incident that for a few seconds they stood motionless trying to grasp what just happened. Until the hot stinging on Priyasha's face spoke of the humiliation she just had encountered.

Abhiraj yelled out, "Zinnia!" as he rushed to the girls. "What's wrong with you?"

Abhiraj turned Priyasha around, traced the jawline of her left cheek and saw the gradually reddening handprint. Priyasha felt her eyes stung and her vision getting blurry. But she pushed his hands off and leaned on the wall at her side to compose herself. Abhiraj's jaws clenched as he shifted his angry glare at Zinnia, who also shot him a disgusted glance.

"I can see, Roy." Zinnia matched his high-pitch. "I can see that she's the reason you've been avoiding me."

"Zinnia, shut up." He looked over at Priyasha rolling his fist into a ball, cursing under his breath for not being able to help her. Priyasha spotted the crowd that had gathered at the entrance of the room. The Agent, the Keeper, three other girls, all were staring at the three of them. Priyasha stood there as if time had stopped around her. Her humiliation appeared as shards of flaring fire that had been descended on her. Extremely shrunken by the incident, she blinked several times to stop herself from tearing up. She eyed the crowd who were looking at her particularly as their murmuring began, while Abhiraj and Zinnia's argument continued.

"I knew you were getting involved in something else! You were absent minded the whole time at your office. I never imagined you'd contradict me for a hooker like her!" Zinnia yelled out pointing at Priyasha.

Priyasha's ears went hot by all those hateful accusing words. All her baseless accusation was screaming how she was the one responsible for Zinnia and Abhiraj's crumbling relationship.

"Shut up Zinnia, I'm warning you. Don't create a scene." Abhiraj gritted his teeth. His voice was harsh and almost unrecognizable.

"Why?" Zinnia's voice rose to a level up. "Why are you caring for her so much that you aren't even bothered about my feelings?"

It was awful. The whole situation was awful. Priyasha stood stock the whole time, trying hard to consume the fact, this entire dispute happened... because of her. This was yet another of those moments where being the center of attention led her into a tribulation.

Abhiraj growled. "Okay, I've have enough. Leave now."

"I won't!" Zinnia shouted aloud. "You'll have to tell me, what is it with her that you want me to leave where I'm the one you're going to marry and not her."

Priyasha by now had had enough. She cried out all of a sudden, "Stop it. Stop! I am leaving." She scurried past both of them until Abhiraj yanked her forearm pulling her toward him, making her whirl around until she collapsed on his chest. His demeanor eventually darkening which Priyasha knew couldn't bring anything good.

"Wait!" He snarled. "You're not going anywhere, forget about going alone." She tugged at her wrist, attempting to twist it free from his firm grip. "Leave me Abhiraj! What are you doing? I said... leave... me!" Instead, he put his other hand on the lower back of her waist and pulled her into him. The darkness of his eyes telling it was a great mistake to object his action. However, no one was sure who'd face the consequences for that. He growled again, looking at Zinnia. "You want to know what's going on here? You want to know?"

Zinnia's eyes went wide at his sudden change of manner. Everyone else present there, stood unmoving, unsure of his next move. But no one dared stopping him.

People are often scared to show off their courage and stand up against the wrong. Because, no matter how harsh it sounds, the ignorant and diplomatic way of living has been the general preference since long. The problem is, everyone hates the pollution but none cares to clean it.

Priyasha cursed everyone inwardly as her brows scrunched together in confusion. Her stare traveled up his face with nervous thoroughness. Not to mention, the consequence was absolutely unanticipated by her, because she'd never have imagined it even in her dreams.

He shifted his unrelenting stare at her searching the depths of her eyes. Her skin tingled under his unreadable, unwavering gaze. Even though they were barely apart from each other, his existence felt distant to her. It was something difficult to make someone understand if not felt personally.

On the other hand, she was hyperventilating disapprovingly. Adrenaline rushed through her body suddenly making her senses heightened.

This was beyond her grasp. How could she feel this way for someone she hated? Now, could she? She fit perfectly into his arms, as if two missing puzzle pieces. Their physical proximity felt both unreal and corporeal, but dangerous nonetheless. Very, very dangerous. She couldn't escape it, no matter how hard she tried.

Abhiraj took a deep breath and leaned in. Horror strained her eyes. Just when his face was too close to hers, he stopped. His gaze froze onto her eyes as he mumbled, "I know this doesn't have to be like this. But I'm sorry." As soon as he said that, ever so softly he pressed his lips to hers and ignited a burning sensation in her with a chaste kiss. Exactly what she had been fearing and was desperate to escape.

Although it ended sooner than expected, she could still feel the lingering touch of his soft lips on hers.

She was flabbergasted. As soon as his lips retraced, her fingers found their ways up to her mouth. Why would he do that? What the hell was it? For a quick moment, everything stopped around them until the situation settled in her head. What did he do? He made strangers watch them kiss. It was the last thing she had in her mind and she felt extremely humiliated, disgraced and insulted in front of public. Her hands trembled as she shoved him away. She experienced warmth flushing through her face as her eyes burned from the dishonor of her consent, once again. But this time, it was worse. It was public.

Everyone else was stunned. Zinnia too.

Abhiraj turned to Zinnia and spat, "I guess you have your questions answered. Now leave."

Zinnia glared at Priyasha then back at Abhiraj. "It does not end here." She looked at Priyasha maliciously and said in a cold voice, "You'll pay for it." Then she left.

Priyasha couldn't fathom anymore how to react. Neither of the kisses in her life arrived with her consent. Abhiraj stepped in front, grabbed one of her hands and dragged her out of there. Overwhelmed with confusion and hurt to such a degree, she didn't even notice when did they leave the hostel ground and headed to the parking lot.

She snatched her hand away from his grasp stopping in her track and squealed, "What was that?"

Abhiraj stopped too and ran his hand through his hair, but kept shut as usual.

She dragged him around and asked again, "What the hell was that?"

Shifting his attention from her he gazed at a distance, not particularly at anything.

"How much damage you still plan to do to me? Tell me!" She screamed.

He didn't try to yell back, didn't step away from her, nor showed any signs of defending himself. They stood there in silence for a while. She looking at him, her eyes on the brink of welling up whereas him, staring elsewhere, hands buried deep into his pockets. She got frustrated of his emotionless face until she raised her hand and slapped him right across his face. His didn't flinch but touched his fingers to his cheek to scratch it and nothing else.

Then she ran away from him.

Her tears for the first time in a while, rolled down her cheeks. 

~~~

Author's note: How did you like the chapter? :)