Chapter 57

I've seen the mountains of faith break under the weight of lies. But I've never seen someone so persistent for people they don't share their blood with.

Vee

16th May 2019, Thursday
14:40

I sat on my knees and pulled out the drawer from under Ashiamma's bed, half of me still shook, the rest half of me ready to end this right here. The drawer, looking more like her frames, greeted me with our smiles. On the top laid our photographs spread over every other item. I picked up the key and put it aside on the floor. At the same time, something caught my eye under the bed table. I shoved the drawer away and bent my head. A keychain. I pulled it out and stared at the 5 carved on it.

Putting it in my pocket, I dug into the drawer again. At the end I saw the other half of the portrait Kiara had sent me.

My phone rang. It was Roy.

"We've found her,'" he said. "She's at the hotel where Ashiamma's birthday party was."

Hotel? I checked the time. "Why is she there right now? And how do you know?"

"Nolan called me."

Of course he did.

"Vicky, do you realize what Mehak's words mean for the law? I'll have to–"

I cut the phone, not ready to hear him. My eyes searched for Kiara's contact. As soon as I saw it, I called her, praying she'd pick up. The ring went. I glanced at the portrait that was Ashiamma's best creation till now, also her biggest lie.

You were sorry, Ash. You should be.

14:55

I stared at the familiar car standing in front of my house, putting my phone down. She wasn't going to respond.

"Mr. Singhania bought it today," Raj said.

I walked over to the car and touched its cold handle. It was open. I walked over to the passenger's side and opened the door. Getting in, I opened the glovebox and smiled sadly. The door to the driver's side opened and Papa smiled down at me. "It's nice, isn't it?"

I did not reply. I stared at the key he was holding, bearing the similar keychain like I had found in Ashiamma's room, except it missed the 5. It missed her essence. He knew. The fucker knew exactly what she wanted.

From the glovebox, I finally picked up the paper that started this.

Kiara, I'm sorry, so so sorry. I was going to tell you tonight but you left. I can't even say it to your face without feeling embarrassed. I have wronged you and I am sorry. I thought I'd take his help to pass my time. But I fell. I knew I shouldn't have. I should not feel the smile that he brings. He's nice, he's so nice.

I tell him you'll understand, you always do. Please tell me you understand this. It's just a boy and we can't possibly fight over a boy. I'll tell you tomorrow, if not tonight. Or better I'll give you this tomorrow in the school. I wonder what Vicky will say. I'll tell Hardik the truth too. God, I've really played all of you but look at this from my eyes. All I saw was a guy who did not leave me or scream at me or tell me I was selfish. He was there. He knows everything. That makes me laugh. I never told anyone anything but I ended up telling him. I thought I didn't know him but he's not a stranger. Maybe I knew him because of you. I told myself I was being stupid and then, I blurted it out to him.

I'm sorry. He's all yours.

"Do you know whose car this is?" I asked, folding the paper again, numb from her words.

Papa frowned at my tone. "I got it from a guy named Max. He was looking for a buyer this morning. He dropped the car here less than an hour ago."

My phone rang again. It was Mahi Uncle. Chest filled with dread, I picked it up.

"Shay woke up," he said. My eyes widened and I got out of the car. "Also, Hardik wants to talk to you. I'm giving the phone to him."

I nodded and felt my heart muscles clench when I heard his breath.

"Hey Vicky, you idiot. I heard you asked Roy to tell everyone I wasn't going to make it," Hardik said.

I choked on my laugh. "Yes, because you weren't waking up."

That had been the only thing that came in my mind when I had seen someone around his room. His lips had moved and I had asked him who. He had said they. They. There were more than one person involved. Now I knew who. I stared at Ash's apology, simply unable to believe it.

"Hardik, who are they?" I asked.

"You know who. I heard Mehak told you before me. But Kiara didn't push me. It was Nolan."

I shut my eyes.

"Are you coming here?"

I nodded. "Yes, yes. Tell Shay not to pull any new stunt. I'm here and I'm here for all." I stared at Ashiamma's paper. "No one wants to die."